Located in the northeast of the state-protected Sanxingdui Ruins along the bank of the Yazi River in Guanghan – a city famed for its long history and splendid culture, the Sanxingdui Museum is a modern theme museum situated 40 kilometers to the north of Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. 

Dubbed one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Sanxingdui Ruins cover an area of 12 square kilometers, and are believed to be the remnants of the Shu kingdom, dating back some 4,800 years and lasting over 2,000 years.

The cultural relics at Sanxingdui are the precious cultural heritage of mankind, and contain rich historical, cultural and scientific value. They reflect the exquisite manufacturing and smelting techniques of the people in the ancient state of Shu.

Apart from the bronze wares and exquisite gold ornaments, the jade wares are among the most important unearthed cultural relics from Sanxingdui. 

Jade zhang from No. 1 sacrificial pit

This jade zhang, with a total height of 38.2 centimeters, was unearthed from the No. 1 sacrificial pit in the Sanxingdui Ruins. The body is like a fish. The surface of each of its two faces is chiseled with a pattern of yazhang (a ritual object). This exquisite ware integrates the use of engraving, line engraving, pipe drill, polishing and other processes.

Jade ge from No. 1 sacrificial pit

The weapon ge was a uniquely shaped spear in ancient China and its jade or stone versions constitute the largest quantity among jade or stone weapons unearthed from Sanxingdui. This jade ge, with a height of 40 cm and a width of 10.1 cm, was unearthed from the No. 1 sacrificial pit in the Sanxingdui Ruins. The whole ware is yellowish-brown with a flowing texture.

Jade axe from No. 2 sacrificial pit

This jade axe is the only specimen of its kind unearthed from the No. 2 sacrificial pit in the Sanxingdui Ruins. It is 20 cm high and 6 cm wide. Roughly a trapezoid in shape, its cutting edge is relatively broad, one-sided and arched in shape. The body has two sidelines, both flat and straight, in addition to a square front and a round hole bored in the center.

Jade chisel from No. 1 sacrificial pit

This jade chisel was unearthed from the No. 1 sacrificial pit. The chisel is slender and cylindrical in appearance. Its cutting edge is like a fish head and the whole body is well-polished.

Read more:

Wonders of Sanxingdui: The bronze wares from the mysterious culture

Wonders of Sanxingdui: Gold masks

Wonders of Sanxingdui: Gold ornaments

Wonders of Sanxingdui: Potteries

(Cover image and infographics designed by Li Jingjie)