In Chinese, "jade"(yu 玉) refers to
a fine, beautiful stone with a warm color and rich luster, that is skillfully
carved. In Chinese culture, jade symbolizes nobility, perfection, constancy,
and immortality. For ages, jade has been an intimate part of the lives of all
Chinese. It is considered the most valuable of all precious stones. Jade is
found in mountains and riverbeds, and Chinese consider jade to be "the
essence of heaven and earth."(A jade tour to China)
History
The earliest jade object found in China was
a piece of a serpentine jade unearthed in the Immortal Cave in Haicheng of
Liaoning Province and dating back to the New Stone Age, more than 12,000 years
ago. The second piece was a small hanging jade article excavated at the site of
Hemudu in Zhejiang Province and dating back more than 7,000 years. Jadeware in
that period was mainly used for personal decoration. A large number of
exquisite jade objects were produced 4,000 years ago. Jade objects at that time
were mainly used for witchcraft and as an emblem of privileges.
The manufacture of Chinese jade articles
was already highly developed by the Shang Dynasty (16th to 11th century B.C).
The Chinese of this period had the technology to produce jade articles of every
imaginable type, shape, and size. By the end of the Chou Dynasty (11th century
to 256 B.C.) and the beginning of the Han Dynasty, Chinese jades reached a
second peak in their development; craftsmen had more advanced tools as well as
more efficient methods of polishing jade and creating unsurpassed masterpieces.
From this point on, jade craftsmen could accommodate practically any and every
customer demand.
The development of jade utensils after the
Sung (960-1279 A.D.) and Yuan (1271-1368 A.D.) dynasties tended more toward
pure craftsmanship and artistry.
The
Qualities of Jade
This milky green stone is seen as a
metaphor for human virtues because of its hardness, durability and beauty.
Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, famously said the good virtue of man is
like jade. It represents dignity, blessing, fortune and longevity. White jade
is the most highly valued, but the stone comes in a variety of translucent
shades of green, brown and black.
Cultural
Meaning in China
Traditionally, Chinese people thought jade
is the most precious stones, a sacred material that containing the quintessence
of virtue. In the early times jade was confined to ritual purely ornamental
objects such as the jewelry, dress accessories and items of personal adornment.
In imperial times jade was regarded as a symbol of wealth and rank. It is
widely believed by Chinese people that jade transmits its superior qualities to
the one who wears it, wards off the evil and protect the wearer from
misfortune. For this reason, jade bracelets are given to the children as an
auspicious gift.
Culturally, jade stands for beauty, grace
and purity. It is often referred to as a live stone due to its propensity to
change color. Many Chinese believe that if the stone likes the wearer, it will
grow a deeper, darker shade of green. Many pieces of jade jewelery do change
color over time, and believers who wear it for protection and good luck
attribute this to the absorption of bad chi that would otherwise have affected
the wearer. Jade is also supposed to improve blood circulation and calm the
mind.
Modern
Use
Jade ornaments have remained popular up
until the present day. Purchasing, wearing, and giving jade items as gifts are
still very common. Jade is viewed as an ideal gift for couples making a mutual
commitment, and for one's children when they get married. Even now, the Chinese
retain the idea that in addition to being beautiful, jade can protect from
misfortune and bring good luck.
Today, traditional forms and modern styles
are combined into striking new creations, and modern technology has greatly
elevated the quality of workmanship. No longer is jade for the exclusive use of
emperors and noblemen; just about everyone has the means to own and wear jade.
Beyond maintaining its historical role, jade artistry has been further
developed with creativity and skill, and has become an indispensable part of
everyday life. Jade remains an eternal symbol of China's magnificent
civilization.
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