General Introduction
Jade has a history in China of at least four thousands
years. Unknown to some, it is found contained within the development of
religion and civilization, having moved from the use of decoration on to the
others such as the rites of worship and burial. Although other materials like
gold, silver and bronze were also used, none of these have ever exceeded the
spiritual position that jade has acquired in peoples' minds - it is associated
with merit, morality, grace and dignity. In the funeral objects of the people
of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 24 AD), for example, we can see only high
officials were buried with jade articles.
Jade has
influenced all walks of life. In ancient times, people expressed abstract
notions with concrete patterns of Chinese character, which were influenced by
Taoism and Buddhism. Jade craftworks were among the most precious and luxurious
ones; people wore and decorated rooms to indicate loyalty, elegance, beauty,
and eternity. The most popular patterns were: peach (longevity), mandarin duck
(love), deer (high official ranks), bat (blessing), fish (affluence), double
phoenixes (thriving), bottle (safety), lotus (holiness), bamboo (lofty
conduct), and fan (benevolence), etc.
In Chinese, jade
is pronounced as 'Yu', and most words related to moral include this word such
as 'Unpolished jade never shines,' indicating that one cannot be a useful
person if he is not educated. It also implied honor and conviction. Many
girls in ancient times were also named with jade to reflect the love of their
parents. One of the Four Beauties in Chinese history, Yang Yuhuan, the beloved
concubine of Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), was their
representative. Yang is her surname and her given name Yuhuan means simply
'jade ring'.
People believed that jade was the expression of the most
beautiful stone. A beautiful piece can be more valuable than fifteen cities and
a man's life. Historic records tell of a story about a stanch man named Bian He
who had a piece of jade called 'Heshi Bi' which was said to be the most
priceless treasure in history. However, when Bian He discovered the piece, it
was hidden under the veil of the coarse stone in which it laid. He did not dare
to carve it but instead dedicated it to the King of State Chu. He never knew
that he would pay two legs for his dedication, for the king did not know the
real value and cut Bian He's legs off. He cried for three days and nights.
Afterwards, the new king heard of him and wanted to see whether it was as
precious as he said. When it was cut, all were startled by the delicate
quality. Very soon, it became a national treasure and was called 'Heshi Bi'. So
precious was the stone that it even became a source of conflict between the Qin
State and Zhao State.
Jadeite
As early as the 16th century, it was believed to be
a precious and hard jade with healing qualities for the human stomach and
kidneys. Since it was brought into China during the early Qing Dynasty (1644 -
1911), it had been doted on greatly. It contains an iron component which
appears red, chromium that appears green, and many other colored types. Known as
the 'king of jade', it is usually a more expensive type.
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite's robustness is due to the fact it contains
tremolite. It also can be divided into several sub-classifications according to
color: white, grey, green, topaz, and black jade.
In China, the most
reputable jade producing area is Hetian in Xinjiang Province. Hetian jade is so
hard that it can scratch glass. It has often been found in very huge pieces. An
example of this is the huge jade hill on which the grand scene of Yu the Great
leading people to control flood is elaborately carved. It was 5,350 kg weight
(11,795 pounds) when it was completed. Now this artwork is displayed in the
Forbidden City.
Serpentine jade,
or Xiu yu in Chinese, is mainly from Xiuyan County in Liaoning Province. Made
of many different ingredients, it takes on various appearances: white, yellow,
light yellow, pink, green, dark green, light green and so on. This type is
usually coloured in various shades of green. Usually serpentine jade is
semi-transparent or even opaque like wax.
Lantian jade is
produced in Lantian County, north of Xian in Shaanxi Province. It was also
among the most charming ancient jades, for its rigidity made it easier to be
carved into decorations and jewelry by our ancestors. The hue is uneven in
colors of yellow or light green.
Nanyang County in Henan Province is famous for its
abundant Nanyang jade. The ore district is located on an isolated 200 meter
high hill, called Dushan Hill (thus its other name of 'Dushan jade'). It is
distinctive for its whimsicality. Among the Nanyang jade artworks, you will
find rare purple, blue and red ones.
Appreciation and Maintenance
Experts believe that, although more expensive, diamonds
and gold cannot be compared with jade - it is animated with a soul. They
often buy to collect their favorite jade artworks, while people with little
knowledge may buy coarse works.
To obtain a real
and choice jade article, you should take pains to learn and appreciate it. The
criteria lie in the brightness of color and luster, compactness of inner
structure, and the delicacy of the craftwork. For example, nephrite creates an
oily luster and jadeite creates a vitreous luster. Tiny cracks can lower its
value; on real one, air bubbles cannot be seen; the more lenitive the higher
quality of jade, and so on.
Having purchased a
jade article is just half the process of collecting. It is like a child
that needs constant care. Enthusiasts need to work more to maintain this
artwork, or blemishes may appear.
First, avoid
bumping on hard surfaces as it is delicate. Although sometimes a crack
cannot be seen by the naked eye, the interior structure may have been damaged.
As time goes on, it will appear and reduce the value of the piece.
Second, protect it
from dust or greasy dirt. If tainted, they must be scrubbed with a soft brush
and light suds and washed with clean water.
Third, when left
unused it is best to store the it in a case or box to protect it from
being bumped.
Fourth, it
should be kept away from perfume, perspiration or chemicals. Its brightness
risks corrosion, especially emerald and other high quality jade, so it is
better to clean it with a soft cloth after wearing it.
Fifth, do not
expose it to sunlight for a long time, or it may expand and the quality will
change slightly.
Finally, jade has certain water content so keep it in an area of humidity
to protect it from over-drying.
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