The discovery of the gold scepter has drawn wide attention because of the carvings it bears. Whether these carvings constitute part of a word system or merely a decorative pattern has since ignited a heated debate.

·Jade objects

Many jade objects, including Zhang, Cong, and Bi, were unearthed at Sanxingdui. Though differently shaped, most of them served as sacrificial utensils in the ancient kingdom in Sichuan. These jade objects exude overwhelming artistic appeal with their unique patterns, and provide a glimpse of life of ancient people in the region. However, no chisels or other sharp tools were found at Sanxingdui. How could these fine jade objects have been made? It remains a mystery.

"The king of all Jade Zhangs"	Jade Cong	Jade Bi

Zhang, a jade object, is often carved with ranges of mountains, misty clouds, and strangely dressed ancient local people. This Zhang, used in religious rituals, is 159 cm long, 22 cm wide, and 1.8 thick. It's the biggest and finest Zhang ever discovered in China. The big size and intricate patterns have earned it the title of "the king of all Zhangs".

Cong is a square jade object with its center circularly carved out. In ancient China, people believed that the earth is a circle and the sky is a square, and they are both reachable. With its unique shape, Cong might reflect this ancient view towards the universe.

Bi is a jade ring. Most of the Bi unearthed at Sanxingdui are surprisingly large, with the heaviest one exceeding 50 kilos. This indicates the bold and unconstrained artistic style of craftsmen in ancient Sichuan, which was greatly different from that of their counterparts in the Yellow River Valley.

Author: Lency

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