象形与转喻:早期中国玉礼器创作的思维模式研究

Image and Metaphor:On the Ritual Jade of Early China

本文认为,目前出土的早期中国玉器约有四类是采用象形和转喻的思维模式创作的,它们分别是对权杖斧钺、王者羽冠、鸷鹰崇拜和图腾柱崇拜的象形与转喻。这些玉器以组合式玉器为多,结构复杂,纹饰华丽,工艺高超,集中反映了象形与转喻思维是早期中国玉礼器创作的重要法则。按照巫术和模仿的原始思维方式,这些玉器的制作应是先有相关的神灵崇拜实物或神物,再运用象形和转喻手法创作出装饰各种神灵形象的玉器,通过雕刻各种象形的神灵形象,就赋予和转喻了这些玉器通神的法力,从而增加了这些玉器作为法器的神圣性,也增加了这些玉器拥有者统治社会的合法性,在当时的社会氛围下就成为了名副其实的玉礼器。

The author argues that four kinds of early Chinese jade artifacts have metaphorical connotations, which are axes, feather hair dressing, eagle worship and totem worship. These jade artifacts were mainly in set, which featured advanced technique and elaborate motifs. Those artifacts should be related to spirit worship. After being carved into special shapes, the artifacts were endowed with magic divinity, which would contribute to the ruler' s legitimacy. Therefore, the jade artifacts became ritual symbols.