Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road

Abstract This paper undertakes a multi-dimensional exploration of the glass imitation jade culture under the context of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historical trajectory of glass manufacturing technology from West Asia to China, especially after the Han Dynasty, when the flourishing trade alo...

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Main Authors: Sai Huang, Ziyi Wang, Junyi Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87468-9
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author Sai Huang
Ziyi Wang
Junyi Zhu
author_facet Sai Huang
Ziyi Wang
Junyi Zhu
author_sort Sai Huang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This paper undertakes a multi-dimensional exploration of the glass imitation jade culture under the context of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historical trajectory of glass manufacturing technology from West Asia to China, especially after the Han Dynasty, when the flourishing trade along the Silk Road facilitated the integration of foreign glass craftsmanship with China’s indigenous imitation jade tradition. This integration prompted Chinese glass artifacts to not only incorporate foreign techniques but also emphasize the texture and cultural symbolism of jade. Through systematic archaeological excavations and historical text analysis, this study delves into the unique phenomenon of glass imitation jade on the ancient Silk Road in China, providing detailed exposition on the formation, characteristics, and profound impact of this cultural practice. Imitation jade culture extends beyond physical forms, permeating material selection, technological innovation, and cultural symbol inheritance. As a gem of ancient Chinese craft art, the glass imitation jade culture offers valuable insights into understanding the aesthetic features of ancient cultures, cultural exchange patterns, and the evolution of craft technologies. This paper innovatively proposes that ancient glass-making practices imitation jade can serve as a new means to actively protect natural jade resources in modern times, offering a fresh perspective for the exploration and study of the Silk Road cultural heritage.
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spelling doaj-art-7d176b7162e54534986f2569bcf1f0ff2025-02-09T12:30:57ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-87468-9Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk RoadSai Huang0Ziyi Wang1Junyi Zhu2College of Art and Design, Beijing University of TechnologySchool of Architecture, North China University of Water Resources and Electric PowerCollege of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of TechnologyAbstract This paper undertakes a multi-dimensional exploration of the glass imitation jade culture under the context of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historical trajectory of glass manufacturing technology from West Asia to China, especially after the Han Dynasty, when the flourishing trade along the Silk Road facilitated the integration of foreign glass craftsmanship with China’s indigenous imitation jade tradition. This integration prompted Chinese glass artifacts to not only incorporate foreign techniques but also emphasize the texture and cultural symbolism of jade. Through systematic archaeological excavations and historical text analysis, this study delves into the unique phenomenon of glass imitation jade on the ancient Silk Road in China, providing detailed exposition on the formation, characteristics, and profound impact of this cultural practice. Imitation jade culture extends beyond physical forms, permeating material selection, technological innovation, and cultural symbol inheritance. As a gem of ancient Chinese craft art, the glass imitation jade culture offers valuable insights into understanding the aesthetic features of ancient cultures, cultural exchange patterns, and the evolution of craft technologies. This paper innovatively proposes that ancient glass-making practices imitation jade can serve as a new means to actively protect natural jade resources in modern times, offering a fresh perspective for the exploration and study of the Silk Road cultural heritage.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87468-9Sustainable developmentSilk RoadAncient glassChinese jadeStyles
spellingShingle Sai Huang
Ziyi Wang
Junyi Zhu
Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
Scientific Reports
Sustainable development
Silk Road
Ancient glass
Chinese jade
Styles
title Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
title_full Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
title_fullStr Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
title_full_unstemmed Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
title_short Research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient Chinese Silk Road
title_sort research on glass imitation jade culture in the ancient chinese silk road
topic Sustainable development
Silk Road
Ancient glass
Chinese jade
Styles
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87468-9
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