Glossary

8.3 Famous jade artifacts and their historical importance

8 min read•august 13, 2024

Jade artifacts in China hold immense historical and cultural significance. From ancient ritual objects to imperial treasures, these precious stones embody Chinese aesthetics, beliefs, and craftsmanship. Famous pieces like the disc and burial suits showcase jade's enduring importance.

Renowned jade artifacts reflect China's artistic evolution and social hierarchies. The saw a resurgence in jade production, with emperors like Qianlong amassing vast collections. These masterpieces demonstrate jade's role in diplomacy, status, and cultural identity throughout Chinese history.

Renowned Jade Artifacts of China

The He Shi Bi Jade Disc

Top images from around the web for The He Shi Bi Jade Disc

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  • The He Shi Bi, or Mr. He's Jade Disc, is a famous jade bi from the Warring States period known for its flawless quality and the story of Bian He presenting it to the King of Chu
  • The Heshibi set a standard for bi discs and inspired many imitations and forgeries in later dynasties ( reproductions)
  • Bi discs were ritual objects symbolizing heaven and used in ceremonial offerings and burials
  • The He Shi Bi's perfect circular form and translucent green color exemplified the highest qualities sought in jade

Han Dynasty Jade Burial Suits

  • The Han dynasty jade burial suit of Prince Liu Sheng, comprised of over 2,000 pieces of jade sewn together with gold thread, exemplifies the extravagance and of the Han royal court
    • were believed to prevent the decay of the body and confer in the afterlife
  • The suit's jade plaques are carved with auspicious symbols and creatures (dragons, tigers) to protect and glorify the wearer in death
  • Other Han royalty like Princess Dou Wan were also buried in jade suits, reflecting the widespread adoption of this elite funerary practice
  • The craftsmanship required to assemble thousands of precisely cut jade pieces demonstrates the technical sophistication of Han jade workshops

Qing Dynasty Jade Masterpieces

  • The Hetian jade dragon washbasin from the Qing dynasty Qianlong emperor's reign is celebrated for its immense size, vivid green color, and intricate carving showcasing the height of jade craftsmanship
  • The basin's high relief carving of writhing dragons amidst clouds and waves demonstrates the Qianlong period mastery of three-dimensional, undercut jade forms
  • The Qianlong emperor was an avid collector and patron of jade whose vast collection contained many of the most famous jade artifacts known today (Heshi Bi)
  • Other renowned Qing dynasty jade carvings include the Qianlong emperor's "Twin Fish" washer and the "Jade Mountain" sculpture depicting a landscape of mountains and pavilions

Ming Dynasty Jade Carvings

  • The Xuande incense burner is famed for its celadon green hue, fine openwork carving, and inscription by the Xuande emperor himself, embodying imperial taste and connoisseurship
  • The burner's complex openwork in the shape of archaistic dragons and scrolls creates a delicate, lace-like effect prized in Ming dynasty jade craftsmanship
  • The Xuande emperor's inscription praising the jade's quality and craftsmanship reflects the high value placed on jade by the imperial court
  • Ming dynasty jades often combined archaistic motifs alluding to ancient ritual objects with contemporary styles and techniques (openwork carving)

Historical Context of Jade Creation

Ritual and Religious Significance of Jade

  • Jade's durability, smooth polish, and association with mountains and immortality imbued it with ritual and religious significance as a link between the earthly and celestial realms
  • Jade artifacts often served ritual functions in state ceremonies and sacrifices during the Shang and Zhou dynasties, such as the use of jade blades and tablets
  • Jade bi discs represented heaven while cong tubes symbolized earth, reflecting ancient Chinese cosmological beliefs
  • Jade's use in burial suits and tomb furnishings during the Han dynasty reflects beliefs in its power to preserve the body and ensure immortality in the afterlife

Jade as Symbol of Status and Power

  • In the Han dynasty, jade shifted from primarily ritual objects to also symbols of wealth, status, and power for the imperial court and aristocracy
    • This is exemplified by the jade burial suits of Han royalty like Prince Liu Sheng
  • Jade's rarity, value, and labor-intensive craftsmanship made it a material restricted to elite consumption and a marker of social hierarchy
  • The possession and display of jade objects became an important means for the imperial court to assert its wealth, power, and legitimacy (Qianlong emperor's collection)
  • Jade artifacts were frequently used as diplomatic gifts between Chinese rulers and foreign powers, signifying the importance and prestige of the relationship (Qing dynasty)

Revival of Ancient Jade Forms and Motifs

  • The Song dynasty saw a revival of ancient jade forms and motifs, reflecting the cultural renewal and antiquarian interests of scholar-officials at the time
  • Song jade carvers looked back to the ritual jades of the Shang and Zhou dynasties for inspiration, creating archaistic versions of bi discs, cong tubes, and blades (Heshi Bi replicas)
  • The Ming dynasty also witnessed a resurgence of interest in ancient jade forms and their adaptation to contemporary tastes and functions (Xuande incense burner)
  • The reproduction and reinterpretation of famous jade artifacts from the past became a means of asserting cultural continuity and legitimacy for later dynasties

Qing Dynasty Jade Production and Patronage

  • The Qing dynasty, especially under the Qianlong emperor, witnessed a resurgence in jade carving marked by technical virtuosity and the use of jade as diplomatic gifts and symbols of imperial majesty
  • The Qianlong emperor's extensive jade collection and patronage of jade workshops spurred innovations in carving techniques and styles (high relief, undercut carving)
  • The Qing court's demand for jade objects led to increased exploitation of jade sources in Xinjiang and the development of new jade working centers (Suzhou)
  • Qing dynasty jade artifacts often combined Chinese and Central Asian motifs and styles, reflecting the Qing empire's expansionist reach and cultural interactions (Mughal-style jades)

Craftsmanship and Artistic Value of Jade

Technical Virtuosity in Jade Carving

  • Many renowned jade pieces showcase the highest levels of artistry and skill in jade carving, such as the intricate openwork and high relief in the Ming Xuande incense burner
  • Complex jade pieces like the Qianlong dragon basin required immense technical precision to execute the deeply carved and undercut three-dimensional forms
  • Jade's toughness and hardness necessitated specialized tools and abrasives as well as a high degree of patience and control to shape and polish the stone without breaking it
    • Jade carving was a multi-step process involving percussion, rotary, and abrasive tools often made of diamonds, corundum, or sand and bamboo
  • The most skillful jade carvers were able to create works that appeared delicate and ethereal despite jade's density and hardness (Ming openwork carvings)

Finest Quality Jade Stone

  • The most celebrated jade artifacts are carved from the finest quality stone from Khotan or "mutton-fat" jade from Xinjiang, prized for its even white or celadon green color and lack of flaws or inclusions
  • The He Shi Bi disc is renowned for its flawless, translucent green jade that set the standard for top-grade material
  • Jade boulders of exceptional size and quality were highly prized and often reserved for imperial use (Qianlong dragon basin)
  • The quality of the jade stone itself was seen as a reflection of the virtue and legitimacy of the owner, with the finest jades associated with the emperor and his court

Aesthetics of Jade Carving

  • The artistic value of jade artifacts lies in the carver's ability to work with the inherent qualities and colors of the jade stone while creating designs and forms that convey symbolic meaning and visual power
  • Jade carvers often sought to highlight the stone's natural colors and patterns through the use of minimal, elegant forms and smooth, polished surfaces (Neolithic and Han jades)
  • The interplay of solid and void, opacity and translucency, was a key aesthetic principle in jade carving, as seen in the delicate openwork of Ming dynasty pieces
  • Jade's lustrous, tactile surface and cool, smooth feel were prized as much as the carved decoration, inviting a multi-sensory appreciation of the material

Symbolic Meanings and Motifs

  • Jade artifacts often conveyed symbolic meanings and auspicious wishes through their decorative motifs and inscriptions
  • Dragons, a frequent subject of jade carvings, symbolized the emperor, the forces of nature, and the link between heaven and earth (Qianlong dragon basin)
  • Archaistic motifs like taotie masks and scrolls alluded to the ritual bronzes and jades of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, evoking a sense of cultural continuity and legitimacy (Xuande incense burner)
  • Jade's color was imbued with symbolic significance, with green associated with life, renewal, and immortality, and white with purity and spirituality

Jade Artifacts in Chinese Art History

Embodiment of Chinese Aesthetic Principles

  • Jade artifacts embody key aesthetic principles of Chinese art including simplicity, subtlety, and the interplay of material and form
  • The minimalist forms and polished surfaces of ritual jades from the Neolithic to the Han dynasty established an enduring aesthetic of restraint and refinement in Chinese art
  • Jade carving's emphasis on working with the natural qualities of the stone and creating harmonious, balanced compositions reflects broader Chinese artistic values
  • The use of jade in imperial and aristocratic contexts promoted an aesthetic of preciousness, luminosity, and exquisite craftsmanship that influenced other luxury arts like porcelain and lacquer

Iconic Cultural Symbols

  • Famous jade pieces like the He Shi Bi became iconic symbols of Chinese cultural heritage and were evoked and imitated by later jade carvers and collectors
  • The He Shi Bi's fame and status made it a target for numerous forgeries and replicas, reflecting its enduring cultural significance
  • Celebrated jade artifacts in imperial collections, such as those of the Qianlong emperor, served as models of technical and artistic excellence for jade carvers to emulate
  • The cultural prestige and historical aura of renowned jade pieces made them sought-after collectibles and diplomatic gifts, reinforcing their status as national treasures

Evolution of Styles and Motifs

  • The styles and subjects of renowned jade carvings, from archaistic ritual forms to Buddhist and Daoist motifs, trace the evolution of Chinese beliefs, tastes, and artistic traditions over time
  • The shift from minimalist, ritualistic Neolithic and Bronze Age jades to the more ornate, pictorial styles of later dynasties reflects changing cultural values and artistic preferences
  • The revival of ancient jade forms and motifs in later periods (Song, Ming) demonstrates the enduring cultural authority of the past and the use of art to assert legitimacy and continuity
  • The incorporation of foreign styles and motifs in Qing dynasty jades (Mughal-style florals) reflects the cultural exchanges and expanded worldview of the empire's peak

Influence on Other Art Forms

  • The materials, forms, and motifs of jade carving had a profound influence on the development of other Chinese art forms like ceramics, bronzes, and lacquerware
  • The shapes and decor of ritual bronzes from the Shang and Zhou dynasties were often inspired by and reproduced in jade, creating a shared vocabulary of forms and symbols across media
  • The celadon glazes of Song dynasty ceramics were intended to mimic the color and luminosity of jade, reflecting the high status and aesthetic ideal of jade in Chinese culture
  • Jade's prestige and cultural associations made it a frequent subject of painting and poetry, cementing its status as a quintessential Chinese artistic material

Key Terms to Review (21)

Feng shui: Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment to promote balance, energy flow, and well-being. It incorporates the arrangement of spaces, structures, and objects to achieve optimal energy flow, known as 'qi' (or 'chi'), which influences various aspects of life including health, relationships, and prosperity.
Han Dynasty: The Han Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history that lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE, known for its cultural, technological, and political advancements. It is often regarded as a golden age for Chinese civilization, deeply influencing the development of Chinese sacred arts, literature, philosophy, and governance.
He shi bi: He shi bi refers to a type of jade artifact that is characterized by its smooth, flat surface and often features intricate carvings. These artifacts were traditionally used as ceremonial objects, playing a significant role in ancient Chinese rituals and beliefs regarding the afterlife and ancestral worship.
Immortality: Immortality refers to the concept of living forever or having an unending existence, often associated with spiritual or divine attributes. This idea is significant in various belief systems, particularly in how it relates to the afterlife and the pursuit of eternal life. In many cultures, immortality is depicted through art and artifacts that symbolize the quest for continuity beyond physical death.
Jade burial suits: Jade burial suits are ceremonial garments made from jade pieces, used to cover the bodies of the elite in ancient China during their burial. These suits are believed to have been created to protect the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the high value placed on jade in Chinese culture for its perceived sacred properties, and serving as symbols of wealth and power.
Jade Emperor: The Jade Emperor, known as Yu Huang Da Di in Chinese, is the supreme deity in Daoist belief and is often regarded as the ruler of Heaven and Earth. He symbolizes authority and justice and plays a crucial role in various religious practices, art representations, and cultural celebrations within Chinese sacred arts.
Jadeite polishing: Jadeite polishing is the process of refining and smoothing jadeite, a type of jade that is prized for its beauty and rarity, to enhance its natural luster and visual appeal. This meticulous technique not only elevates the aesthetic qualities of jadeite artifacts but also preserves their cultural significance and historical context, making them cherished pieces in various art forms.
King Mu of Zhou: King Mu of Zhou was the ninth ruler of the Zhou dynasty in ancient China, reigning from approximately 956 to 918 BCE. He is noted for his military campaigns, diplomatic efforts, and the promotion of cultural advancements during his reign, which significantly contributed to the consolidation of Zhou power and influence, especially in relation to jade artifacts that were revered in his time.
Lijiang Tombs: The Lijiang Tombs refer to a group of ancient burial sites located in the Lijiang region of Yunnan Province, China, significant for their unique architecture and the jade artifacts found within. These tombs showcase the burial practices and social structures of the Naxi culture, revealing important insights into their beliefs, art, and societal organization during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Maritime silk route: The maritime silk route was a network of sea trade routes that connected China to various regions across Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Africa and Europe from around the 2nd century BCE. This route facilitated not only the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones but also the sharing of culture, ideas, and technological innovations, significantly impacting trade and cultural interactions throughout history.
Ming Dynasty: The Ming Dynasty was a major Chinese dynasty that lasted from 1368 to 1644, known for its trade expansion, cultural achievements, and strong centralized governance. This period is significant in the development of sacred arts, influencing artistic expression, spiritual beliefs, and architectural innovations that shaped China's cultural landscape.
National Palace Museum: The National Palace Museum is a renowned museum in Taipei, Taiwan, housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks. It plays a crucial role in preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of China, particularly items related to jade artifacts that hold significant historical importance.
Nephrite carving: Nephrite carving refers to the intricate process of shaping and sculpting nephrite, a type of jade known for its toughness and rich colors, into decorative and functional objects. This ancient art form holds significant cultural importance in various societies, particularly in East Asia, where nephrite has been valued for centuries not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meanings associated with power, status, and spirituality.
Palace Museum: The Palace Museum, located in Beijing, China, is a vast historical complex that served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, it houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including significant jade pieces that reflect China's rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Qing Dynasty: The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912, characterized by its expansion, cultural flourishing, and complex interactions with Western powers. This period saw significant developments in various forms of sacred arts that reflect the dynasty's values and beliefs.
Shang Dynasty: The Shang Dynasty, which lasted from approximately 1600 to 1046 BCE, was the second dynasty in Chinese history and is known for its advances in bronze metallurgy, writing systems, and religious practices. This era laid the foundation for many aspects of Chinese culture, including sacred arts, showcasing the significance of ritual vessels and calligraphy that would evolve throughout Chinese history.
Silk Road: The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating not only the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones but also cultural, religious, and artistic influences. This route played a crucial role in the development of various civilizations by linking diverse cultures, leading to significant artistic movements, spiritual exchanges, and technological advancements.
Song Dynasty: The Song Dynasty was a period in Chinese history that lasted from 960 to 1279, known for its remarkable achievements in culture, economics, and technology. This era saw a flourishing of sacred arts influenced by the dynamic interplay of religion and philosophy, setting the stage for significant artistic and spiritual developments.
Symbol of purity: A symbol of purity refers to an object or image that represents cleanliness, innocence, and moral integrity. In various cultures, certain materials or artifacts are associated with these qualities, conveying a deeper spiritual significance and connection to the divine.
Wealth: Wealth refers to the abundance of valuable resources or material possessions, often signifying economic prosperity and status within a society. In historical contexts, such as those involving jade artifacts, wealth is not only about material goods but also represents cultural significance, power dynamics, and social hierarchy.
Yinxu site: The yinxu site, located near the modern city of Anyang in China, is an archaeological site that served as the last capital of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). It is renowned for its rich deposits of bronze artifacts, inscriptions on oracle bones, and impressive jade carvings, which offer invaluable insights into the culture, religion, and social structure of early Chinese civilization.
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