The Legacy and Craftsmanship of Chinese Jade
Chinese jade refers to any carved jade artifacts created in China from the Neolithic Period (circa 3000–2000 BCE) onwards. Throughout history, the Chinese have held carved jade in high esteem, viewing it not only as valuable but also as a symbol of purity and resilience.
The Significance of Jade
In Chinese culture, jade is revered similarly to gold in Western contexts but is imbued with even deeper moral significance. The ancient text Shuowenjiezi by Xu Shen offers an insightful definition of jade (yu), emphasizing its beauty and five virtues: warmth in luster representing kindness, a soft inner quality that reveals goodness, a tranquil tone denoting wisdom, the ability to break without twisting signifying bravery, and its sharp edges reflecting purity. Due to these attributes, jade was extensively used for ornamental purposes and also for various ceremonial and protective objects in funerary contexts spanning Confucian and Daoist traditions.
Composition of Jade
The primary jade mineral utilized in Chinese craftsmanship has been nephrite, a complex calcium magnesium silicate that appears white in its pure form but can also manifest colors such as green, yellow, brown, gray, and black due to impurities like iron compounds. Ancient artisans used the term yu collectively for multiple similar stones, which included nephrite, bowenite (a serpentine variety), and jadeite. By the mid-4th millennium BCE, jade from Lake Tai in Jiangsu province was being shaped by southeastern cultures, while the Hongshan culture in northeastern China utilized deposits referred to as “Xiuyan jade.” In more recent historical contexts, major nephrite sources included riverbeds in Xinjiang, where jade could be found in boulder form. Jadeite was introduced to China from Myanmar starting in the 18th century, recognized for its vibrant green hues and relative hardness compared to nephrite, requiring different techniques for shaping.
Early History and Developments
The first notable jade artifacts from the lower Yangtze River area emerged in the Late Majiabang culture around 5100–3900 BCE, evolving through the Songze and Qingliangang cultures, with remarkable pieces surfacing after 2500 BCE in the Liangzhu culture known for their ceremonial nature. Significant jade forms from this era, like the bi disk and cong tube—both of which were linked to cosmological beliefs—marked the beginning of jade’s pivotal role in imperial rituals, continuing until the early 20th century. The exact symbolism of these artifacts is still debated.
The Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE)
The Shang dynasty saw substantial advancements in jade carving, particularly at the site of Anyang. Artisans crafted ceremonial weapons and adornments from jade, alongside ritual pieces like bi, cong, and rank insignia. Smaller figurines and masks emerged, potentially serving as mingqi or “spirit vessels” for funerary practices.
The Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE)
Continuing the production of previous styles, the Zhou dynasty brought about systematic utilization of jade forms that unified ritualistic quality with decorative charm. Distinct scepters for nobility were used, and burial practices involved sealing body orifices with jade. Over time, Zhou craftsmanship began favoring more abstract patterns and looser designs, indicative of evolving artistic expressions with the introduction of iron tools enhancing the carving process.
The Song Dynasty (960–1279)
During the Song dynasty, the trend of archaizing led to jade pieces resembling ancient styles, prioritizing aesthetics over functional characteristics. Artifacts attributed to this era indicate a revival of older forms and styles from previous dynasties, although differentiating these later creations from authentic antiquities poses challenges.
The Qing Dynasty (1644–1911/12)
The Qing dynasty marked a flourishing period for jade carving, especially during the reign of Qianlong. The period saw direct control over rich jade sources in Central Asia and increased imports of jadeite from Myanmar. Notable artisans from this time produced stunning works that remain difficult to date, creating exquisite pieces such as vases and vessels echoing antique bronze designs, often characterized by complex engravings and motifs.
In summary, jade has woven itself into the fabric of Chinese cultural identity, symbolizing not only material wealth but also embodying moral and philosophical values that resonate through centuries of artistry and tradition.
