Cong (jade)

A cong is a form of jade artifact from ancient China. The earliest ''cong'' were produced by the Liangzhu culture ; later examples date mainly from the and dynasties.

In form, a ''cong'' is a tube with a circular inner section and squarish outer section. The outer surface is divided vertically or horizontally such that the whole defines a hollow cylinder embedded in a partial rectangular block. Proportions vary - a ''cong'' may be squat or taller than it is wide. The outer faces are sometimes decorated with masklike faces, which may be related to the ''taotie'' designs found on later bronze vessels.

Although generally considered to be a ritual object of some sort, the original function and meaning of the ''cong'' are unknown. Later writings speak of the ''cong'' as symbolizing the earth, while the '''' represents the heavens. The square represents the earth and a circle represents the heavens.