| Jade has had mystical significance since the Neolithic Age which began 10,000 years ago. Most sophisticated Neolithic settlements date to 3000 BC. Various cultures began to develop around the Yellow and Yangtze rivers. Settlements in the north were sparse, but appear to have had contact with both extreme northern peoples and with those in the southern areas around the areas of Xi'an and Anyang. Interesting similarities in bronze art extend from the norther Mongolian regions down into Yunnan. During the late Neolithic period the Yan people began to coalesce and form a systematic culture. At the same time, the Han people were developing their culture around Anyang.
The two objects on this page are about an inch and a half long. The photo of the one below is blurry, but you can still see the detail.
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