What did the Chinese use jade for?
Jade (nephrite) was regarded as the most precious stone in ancient China, and it symbolised purity and moral integrity. Jade was especially used for ritual objects such as the bi disc and zong (cong) tubes, both of which are of unknown function.
What’s the most expensive jade?
Imperial Jade
Imperial Jade from Burma is the most expensive type of Jade. It is the most expensive because it is the highest quality, the most sought-after color, and remains today the most highly prized source of jadeite around the world.
When was the first Jade made in China?
Bi (jade) The bi is a type of circular ancient Chinese jade artifact. The earliest bi were produced in the Neolithic period, particularly by the Liangzhu culture ( 3400 – 2250 BCE ). Later examples date mainly from the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties. They were also made in glass .
How big is a jade bi in China?
A Han-era bi, 16 cm in diameter. A Western Han dynasty Bi, with dragon designs. The bi is a type of circular ancient Chinese jade artifact. The earliest bi were produced in the Neolithic period, particularly by the Liangzhu culture ( 3400 – 2250 BCE ). Later examples date mainly from the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties.
What are the symbols of jade in China?
With a glistening sheen just like the springtime sunshine, believed to be high in jingqi (vital force or energy), this beautiful jade was fashioned after the concept of yang and yin into round bi discs and square cong tubes, and marked with deistic and ancestral images as well as “encoded” symbols.
Why was Jade so important in Neolithic China?
Jade objects originally begun as forms of spiritual connections or value but in later years, developed into symbols of authority and status. Throughout Neolithic Chinese culture, jade remained, however, saturated in purposeful iconography and symbolism.
What was the purpose of jade in ancient China?
From ancient times, this extremely tough translucent stone has been worked into ornaments, ceremonial weapons and ritual objects. It is a culturally rich object that more than anything else holds the deep emotion and profound thinking of the Chinese people.
A Han-era bi, 16 cm in diameter. A Western Han dynasty Bi, with dragon designs. The bi is a type of circular ancient Chinese jade artifact. The earliest bi were produced in the Neolithic period, particularly by the Liangzhu culture ( 3400 – 2250 BCE ). Later examples date mainly from the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties.
Where can you find Jade in the world?
Chinese jade mines are long depleted so today the stone is mined in Burma, Central America, Brazil, Canada, and India. Still, Chinese culture has mastered the art of jade carving in a way no other region can match.
Which is the most famous color of jade?
Frequently, these were carved onto the jade objects themselves, keeping with the tradition of Chinese rulers. ‘Qianlong’s passion for jade transformed Chinese culture and launched a worldwide obsession for jade jewelry over the coming centuries. Green is the best known color of jade.
