The practice of jewelry making in China began over 5,000 years ago, during the Yangtze Delta's Middle Neolithic Yang-Shao and Lungshanoid cultures. As Chinese jewelry design developed, elaborate design motifs were adopted which had specific religious significance, and were traditionally used in Buddhist ceremonies.
Early Chinese history begins with the mythical "Three Sovereigns" (Three August Ones) who were Fu Xi (Fu Hsi) the "Heavenly Sovereign," Nuwa the "Earthly Sovereign," and Shennong the "Human Sovereign." The Three Sovereigns were mythological rulers of China, and god-kings, during the period from c. 2852 BCE to 2205 BCE, preceding emperor Yu (aka Sì Wénmìng or "Yu the Great") of the Xia Dynasty. Nuwa was a feminine creator goddess who was credited with creating mankind, and repairing the wall of heaven. Nüwa was typically depicted with a serpent's body.
According to Chinese mythology emperor Huang-di (known as the "Yellow Emperor") is said to be the ancestor of all Han Chinese, becoming a main deity of Taoism during the Han Dynasty. Huang-di reigned from 2497 BCE to 2398 BCE, and is said to have lived to 100 years of age, fathering over 25 children. Legend has it that his wife, Luo Zu, taught the Chinese how to weave the silk from the silkworm. Upon Huang-di's death it is said that a Dragon came down from Heaven, carrying him away. Alternativly, Huang-di himself turned into half-man half dragon and flew away.
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