An overview of ancient Chinese jade
2 min readThe Chinese regard carved jade objects as intrinsically valuable，and they equate jade with human virtue due to its solidity，durability and beauty.
Many countries boast a jade culture，but none of them can match China’s long jade history.
In China，jadeware underwent a long process of development beginning in the Neolithic Age 10，000 years ago.
The earliest jadeware found in China was a piece of serpentine stoneware unearthed at the Immortal Cave in Haicheng，Liaoning Province，dating back more than 12，000 years.The second was a small hanging jade article excavated at Hemudu in Zhejiang Province dating back more than 7，000 years.Jadeware from that period was mainly used for personal decoration.A large number of exquisite jade objects were produced 4，000 years ago.At the time，jadeware was mainly used for witcheraft and as an emblem of privilege.
During the Shang Dynasty，craftsmen used metal tools in making jadeware models and sculpture.Round jade articles increased in large numbers and jadeware was often given as a gift.
The jade-carving technique developed quickly in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods.The Spring and Autumn Period was known for its well-carved and exquisite jadeware.
During the Qin and Han Dynasties，jadeware became more practical；objects like jade tablets became out of date.At that time，people began to believe in the power of jadeware to increase longevity.They thought they would live forever like gods if they possessed jadeware.Therefore，the practice of burying the dead with jadeware became a common practice.
From the Three Kingdoms Period until the Song and Yuan Dynasties，there were no great developments in jade carving.This situation changed for the better in the Ming Dynasty when many famous craftsmen emerged.White jade vessels with golden holders and white jade bowls with golden lids unearthed in the Ming Tombs reflected the dynasty’s top level in jade carving.The jadeware technique peaked during the Qing Dynasty under the advocacy of Emperor Qianlong.
The patterns of China’s jadeware have rich connotations，revealing strong，auspicious colors.Bats and gourds were used as subjects for more than 100 patterns because the two words for”bat”and”gourd”sound like”good fortune”in Chinese.When a bat was carved on an ancient coin with a hole，it meant that fortune was at hand；bats coupled with birthday peaches referred to fortune and longevity；bats mixed with sika，birthday peaches and magpies were also considered good omens.4 These beliefs reflected the ancient Chinese people’s yearnings for a happy life and revealed the essence of China’s traditional culture.
Jade in China varies and is divided into two categories based on materials:hard and soft.Good materials provide a strong basis for jadeware carving，but the value of a jade object depends more on the skills and reputation of the craftsman，date of carving，peculiar modeling and the owner’s status.
