Duke Wen of Jin, born Chong'er, was a member of the royal house of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. He was exiled from Jin for approximately 20 years before finally being restored to power and rapidly leading Jin to hegemony over the other Chinese states of his time. He is a figure in numerous Chinese legends, including those about his loyal courtier Jie Zhitui, whose death is said to have inspired China's Cold Food and Qingming Festivals.
Duke Wen of Jin Recovering His State by Li Tang, 1140
Mt Mian near Jiexiu, Shanxi, the supposed site of Chong'er's immolation of Jie Zhitui & his mother.
Jin, originally known as Tang (唐), was a major state during the middle part of the Zhou dynasty, based near the centre of what was then China, on the lands attributed to the legendary Xia dynasty: the southern part of modern Shanxi. Although it grew in power during the Spring and Autumn period, its aristocratic structure saw it break apart when the duke lost power to his nobles. In 403 BC, the Zhou court recognized Jin's three successor states: Han, Zhao, and Wei. The Partition of Jin marks the end of the Spring and Autumn period and the beginning of the Warring States period.
Jin bronze horse and rider
Jin State Bronze Mirror
Jin State gilt bronze plaque
Jin State Bronze Horse