Jade
To this day, the Chinese government is taking bold steps to reinvigorate their pottery and porcelain markets. During the past two decades, we see a huge increase once again in the number of schools and, ultimately, artists developing in the Chinese pottery market. It is a lasting tribute to China that one of her creations, the blue white cobalt glaze of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, is loved around the world. These works of art today are found in more 20th Century homes than any other style of art ever created by ceramic artists
anywhere in the world.
JADE
Confucius said that jade was revered for its uniquely excellent properties and thus the stone came to be equated with those qualities desired in man. Jade, the “fairest of stones”, was said to embody five virtues; Benevolence is typified by its luster that is bright and warm; integrity by its translucency; wisdom by its sonorous ring when struck; courage by its hardness; and, steadfastness by its durability.
Jade has always been viewed by the Chinese as a spiritual and protective material. Women in China have always believed that to wear Jade jewelry, which touched ones skin, was good luck. Jade was always categorized as the food of the Gods. It was even believed that the ingestion of Jade brought about immortality.
During the Zhou and Han periods, Jade was used to seal off bodily orifices of wealthy corpses. Jade was used in burial rights, not only for protection, but also because it portrayed wealth and position.
One can better understand Chinese history if they study the history of Jade. Decorative and ceremonial Jade dates back to the Neolithic, Stone Age, Lian shou, and Hang Shan periods (dating back as far as 5,000BC). Jade carvings have always depicted the animal/human and
When you touch Jade, it feels cold, yet when gazed upon seems unbelievably soft and warm. Jade has not only survived thousands of year’s history, but has been embraced by the Chinese people worldwide. Jade has assumed a special status since the beginning of Chinese history. For more than eight thousand years, the Chinese have loved and valued Jade.
Jade was identified with high and dignified moral character. Jade was used in both a utilitarian manner (such as blades, axe heads, and farm tools) and for its ceremonial, decorative, and religious value as well. Never during this illustrious period of Jade’s 8,000?year history has Jade ever not been revered and admired for its value.