A Journey in JadeA Collection of Artifacts

from Ancient China

Jade in Ancient China

Jade was highly valued in Ancient China for many reasons

The polish and brilliancy of the stone was thought to represent purity

Its extreme hardness represented intelligence

Its angles represent justice

Its color represents loyalty and the transparency- sincerity

The Han believed that jade was an aid to attaining immortality and many jade artifacts are found in burial sites

- Late Neolithic period

- around 2000 BC - Width: 5.8 cm

<http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html>

Objects like this found in tombs in both the Shang and Zhou dynasties

Similar sculptures made from bronze during the Shang Dynasty

Demonstrates artistic skill of the Ancient Chinese even with little evidence of sophisticated carvings tools

Jade Face

<http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html>

The term "bi" is applied to wide discs with small center holes

This particular piece belonged to the The Qianlong emperor who reigned from 1736-95

inscription (by the emperor) says that his poetic imagination was stirred by its exquisite shape, and the quality of the jade

Jade Bi- Shang Dynasty

(1500-1050 BCE)

- Diameter: 5.9 inches

This dagger was actually a ritual object rather than a weapon

Unearthed in 1974 at Panlongcheng, Huangpi, Hubei Province

Demonstrates the value in ritual practices in Ancient China

Color variations show the detail of the stone

Jade Ge (dagger-

axe)

- Shang Dynasty (1500-1050 BCE)

- length of blade

(48.8 cm)

http://www.nmch.gov.cn/en/collections/display.asp?Id=341&Antique_Number=1-0120

http://www.nmch.gov.cn/en/collections/display.asp?Id=344&Antique_Number=2-0032

Unearthed from a tomb in the Henan Province, in l951

This pendant is composed of seven pieces of jade openwork, joined by copper plates

Decorated with dragon images and a cloud pattern

Jade pendants also used as ritual objects in court ceremonies and during sacrifices and funerals

Jade Dragon Pendant

- Warring States Period

- 20.5 cm long, 4.8 cm wide

http://www.sdmart.org/image/image.pl?mode=&painting=314529&axis=1070141408

Detailed carving on the handle

Most likely used by wealthy woman

Perhaps more for decorative use than for functionality

Jade Comb- Warring States

Period

- 2.6 in. high, 1.6 in. deep, .8 in deep

<http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html>

Cicadas associated with resurrection since they pupate and emerge from underground after several years

Cicadas on the tongue of the dead

These carved pieces show the Cicadas' prominent eyes, boldly cut wings and lobed undersides

Jade Cicadas- Han Dynasty

206 BC - AD 220

- Length: 6 cm Width: 3.3 cm

<http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html>

This jade suit was unearthed at Yongcheng, Henan

Burial clothes of an emperor or high-ranking noble

Suit is made up of 2008 pieces of jade sewn together with gold wire

Jade Burial Suit

- Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220

- Length: 180 cm, Width: 125 cm

Sources and Museum Donations

British Museum

<http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compass/index.html>

National Museum of Chinese History

 <http://www.nmch.gov.cn/en/collections/display.asp?Id=341&Antique_Number=1-0120 >

San Diego Museum of Art

 <http://www.sdmart.org/image/image.pl?mode=&painting=314529&axis=1070141408>

Henan Museum

 <http://www.chnmus.net/English/newpage62.htm>

Chinese Jade: From Actual to Present

<http://www.holymtn.com/jade/Chinesejade.htm>