What was jade used for in ancient times?

In prehistoric sites, jade artifacts include simple ornaments with bead, button, and tubular shapes. It was also used for tools and weapons. Jade later became revered with special significance. Beautiful designs were used for carvings, decorations, ceremonies, furnishings, and jewelry for the Imperial families.

Why is jade so important?

Chinese culture considers jade to be a lucky stone. To them, it is known as “The Stone of Heaven.” Jadeite is so precious that there is a saying that goes, “gold is valuable while jade is priceless.” Jade symbolizes prosperity, success, and good luck. It is also a symbol of renewal, longevity, and even immortality.

Why do Chinese like jade so much?

Chinese people love jade not only because of its aesthetic beauty but also because of what it represents regarding social value. Thus, beyond monetary worth and materiality, jade is greatly prized as it stands for beauty, grace, and purity.

When was jade first used?

It was carved as early as the Neolithic period (c. 3500-2000 BCE) when it was used to make sacrificial and ritual objects, especially in the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures.

What cultures used jade?

The ancient relationship between this gemstone and humanity persisted into modern times among native societies in New Zealand and parts of North America. In China it evolved into an artistic tradition that has flourished for more than 3,000 years. In Central America, the Mayans and the Aztecs prized jadeite jade.

Who wore jade in ancient China?

Recent archaeological finds in many parts of China have revealed not only the antiquity of the skill of jade carving, but also the extraordinary levels of development it achieved at a very early date. Jade was worn by kings and nobles and after death placed with them in the tomb.

Is white jade more valuable than green?

Although jadeite is the more highly coveted jade variety, nephrite is more abundant. White nephrite or “mutton fat jade” remains a traditional favorite. Siberian nephrite, with a dark “spinach green” color and black graphite inclusions, is considered the most valuable green nephrite variety.

What is jade in Chinese culture?

Jade in China Jade is most highly valued in Chinese culture today. The philosopher Confucius reportedly expressed this fascination by making jade a metaphor for virtue, kindness, wisdom, justice, civility, music, sincerity, truth, Heaven and Earth.

What is jade worth?

As with most stones, you have to take into account the quality and the type. Jadeite black jade costs significantly more, reaching up to $3 million per carat. Nephrite jade is easier to find and of a different quality; it typically costs around $100 to $1000 per pound.

How can you tell how much jade is worth?

The most important value factor is color, but transparency, texture, clarity, and even the way the stone is cut or carved can greatly affect the ultimate price of a particular piece. Unlike most other gemstones, jadeite is usually sold by the piece, and not by carat weight.

What is the history of jade in China?

The impact of jade in China can trace back to as early as 5000 BCE. Early Chinese jade use was in the form of nephrite and was used in tools due to its hardness. The first jadeite reached China in the late 1700s, coming from Burma. It sparked a passion in Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.

Is Jade good luck in China?

Chinese culture considers jade to be a lucky stone. To them, it is known as “The Stone of Heaven.” Jadeite is so precious that there is a saying that goes, “gold is valuable while jade is priceless.” Jade symbolizes prosperity, success, and good luck.

What is Burmese jadeite called in Chinese?

Burmese jadeite is called feicui in Chinese. Feicui is now more popular and valuable than soft jade in China today. Jade has been a part of Chinese civilization from the earliest days. Chinese jade was used as a material for practical and ornamental purposes at an early period in history, and it continues to be very popular today.

How many generations of jade carving are there in China?

As the key component of the jade carving craft, the tool displays different characteristics in different development stages. Yang (2006) divided Chinese rotary machines into five generations, and Xu (2011) divided the evolution of the jade carving craft into five periods.