Written by Marcos Villa Marin
Jade holds an eminent place in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, woven deep into the historical, spiritual, and social fabric of the nation. For millennia, this stone has been revered not merely for its great characteristics like its hardness or vivid colors, but for its profound symbolic resonance and practical use. From the early Neolithic period to the height of imperial China and further on, jade has been a symbol of the high class, buried with emperors, and featured prominently in rituals, art, and folklore. Its enduring significance as a symbol of virtue, immortality, and purity is a testament to its beauty and cultural significance of this precious gemstone in Chinese culture.
Variations Of Jade
The precious stone comes in many variations of colors and its hardness can differ as well. The types of Jade are soft Jade, or nephrite, this stone has been known and used much frequently in early periods of China, being the only available variety until the Qing dynasty when Burmese jadeite, hard jade or “feicui,” was introduced and soon became more sought after than its softer counterpart. The harder counterpart was more sought after because the introduction of hard jade to China during this period provided a new and exotic variety of the stone that captured the fascination of collectors and connoisseurs. Its vibrant green hues and translucency were highly prized, adding a new dimension to jade appreciation. Additionally, hard jade was considered to be of higher quality and rarity compared to soft jade that had been traditionally used. Its scarcity and exclusivity contributed to its elevated status and increased demand among the elite and emperors. Moreover, the imperial patronage of hard jade further elevated its prestige, as emperors and members of the imperial court sought out exquisite specimens to adorn themselves and their palaces. As a result, hard jade emerged as the preferred choice for luxury items, decorative arts, and ceremonial objects during the Qing dynasty, cementing its place as a symbol of wealth, status, and cultural refinement.
Early Times Use
Title
Perforated Disc (Pi)
Medium
Jade
Measurements
Diameter: 23.5cm (9¼ in); Inner diameter 7cm (2¾ in.)
Date
(3500-2000 B.C.)
Culture
China, Neolithic period (3rd-2nd millennium BC)
Credit Line
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Collection: China – Neolithic
Department: Chinese Art
Source: Image and original data from The Cleveland Museum of Art
During the Neolithic period in China, jade held a multifaceted role that extended largely, reflecting its deep-seated cultural significance. Utilized primarily for ceremonial and ritual purposes, jade artifacts unearthed from Neolithic sites reveal its association with burial practices, religious ceremonies, and social hierarchy. Jade disks, also known as Pi, is an example of how jade was used in ceremonies in neolithic times. It was said that these disks would be placed on top of the dead’s body or be entombed with it, this allows the dead to connect to the spirit realm and protects them from any evil spirits. The disks were also used as offerings and sought blessings for various aspects of life, such as fertility, abundance, luck and harmony.
Title
Plaque
Medium
Jade
Measurements
Overall 20.6 cm (8 1/8in.)
Date
Neolithic period, Hongshan culture (ca. 3500-2000 B.C.)
Culture
China
Credit Line
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Asian Art
Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2009
2009.176
Similar to the jade pi, this next piece is called the plaque, it is used in ceremonies and burials but instead of having unique spiritual abilities it’s more of embodying the virtues or characteristics of the dead. This type of pendant is called “Cloud Scroll”, it symbolizes happiness or good luck. This pendant has a hole and what can be suggested is that imperial rulers might have worn this as a necklace because despite being used in spiritual ways it can be used as jewelry. In Traditional Chinese culture, it was also mentioned that jade embodies virtues such as purity, wisdom, and immortality. Its intrinsic hardness and durability made it an ideal material for crafting ritual objects, including pendants, ornaments, and ceremonial axes. The meticulous craftsmanship and labor-intensive techniques required to work with jade also underscored its elevated status as a symbol of prestige and power. Furthermore, the intricate motifs and symbols engraved on jade artifacts conveyed spiritual beliefs and cosmological concepts, linking the material realm with the divine. Thus, during the Neolithic era, jade played a pivotal role in shaping the spirituality aspect of Chinese cultural identity, serving as a tangible expression of spiritual beliefs, social organization, and artistic sophistication. During the Neolithic period jade was heavily used in spiritual rituals, it would help the dead to connect to the spiritual world, provide protection, reflect virtues and be worn.
Jade In Shang Dynasty
In the Shang dynasty, jade continued to hold significant cultural and symbolic importance, but there are some notable differences from its use in the Neolithic period. During the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE), jade artifacts served multiple functions, including ceremonial, ritual, and decorative purposes. Jade objects were intricately carved into various forms, such as pendants, ornaments, ceremonial axes, and ritual vessels.
One significant change from the Neolithic period was the refinement and sophistication of jade craftsmanship. The Shang artisans developed advanced carving techniques, producing intricately detailed jade pieces adorned with elaborate designs and motifs. These artifacts often featured symbolic imagery, such as dragons, birds, and mythical creatures, reflecting the cosmological beliefs and spiritual practices of the Shang society.
Furthermore, jade in the Shang dynasty became closely associated with the ruling classes and played an important role in the political and religious areas. Jade artifacts were used as symbols of authority and power, with rulers and nobles wearing jade ornaments as insignia of their status. Additionally, jade objects were frequently included in royal burials, serving as offerings to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
Title
Ceremonial Tube (Cong)
Medium
Jade (Nephrite)
Measurements
Overall 20.6 cm (8 1/8in.)
Date
c.1600-c.1046 BC
Culture
China, Shang Dynasty (c.1600-c.1046 BC)
Repository
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Collection: China – Shang Dynasty
Department: Chinese Art
Gallery: 241A Arts of Ancient China
Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust
Despite these differences, the fundamental significance of jade remained consistent across both the Neolithic period and the Shang dynasty. Jade continued to be revered for its repeated symbolic value, representing virtues such as purity, wisdom, and immortality. Its use in rituals, ceremonies, and funerary practices underscored its enduring cultural importance and spiritual significance in ancient Chinese society. The Ceremonial tube (Cong) is another spiritual and ritualistic jade piece, its purpose is to be rested near a dead person of high class because they signified the wealth and social class of the person. Congs and disks can be used together to trap spirits despite the hole because jade has the ability to trap spirits.
Jade In Qing dynasty
In the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), jade retained its cultural significance but underwent notable changes in its use and symbolism compared to earlier periods like the Shang dynasty and the Neolithic period. During the Qing dynasty, jade continued to be highly valued for its beauty, rarity, and symbolic meanings. However, its usage evolved in response to shifting social, political, and artistic trends. One significant difference between the Qing dynasty and earlier periods is the increased variety of jade objects and their functions. While jade artifacts in the Neolithic period and the Shang dynasty were primarily associated with ceremonial and ritual purposes, in the Qing dynasty, jade objects served a broader range of functions. Jade was used extensively for personal adornment, with intricate jade carvings adorning accessories such as hairpins, belt buckles, and jewelry for both men and women. Additionally, jade objects were incorporated into everyday items like buttons, belt hooks, and snuff bottles, highlighting its integration into daily life during this period.
Another notable difference lies in the symbolism associated with jade in the Qing dynasty. While jade continued to be associated with traditional virtues such as purity, wisdom, and longevity, its significance expanded to encompass broader cultural ideals. Jade became a symbol of refinement, sophistication, and social status, with the possession of high-quality jade objects serving as a marker of wealth and prestige. Furthermore, jade objects were often exchanged as diplomatic gifts and used in imperial ceremonies, reinforcing their importance in maintaining political alliances and demonstrating imperial authority.
Despite these differences, certain aspects of jade’s significance remained consistent across the Qing dynasty and earlier periods. Jade continued to be revered as a symbol of immortality and spiritual power, and its use in rituals and ceremonies persisted, in new contexts. Moreover, the craftsmanship and artistry associated with jade carving reached new heights during the Qing dynasty, with master artisans producing exquisite pieces that showcased technical skill and aesthetic refinement.
Title
Brush Holder
Medium
Spinach jade
Measurements
Diameter: 8.4cm (3 5/16in);
Overall 12.5 cm (4 15/16in.)
Culture
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Title
Gong
Medium
Jade
Measurements
Overall 25.4cm(10 in.)
Culture
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911
Repository
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Collection: China – Qing Dynasty
Department: Chinese Art
Worcester R. Warner Collection
Source: From The Cleveland Museum of Art
This Brush Holder is an example of high craftsmanship, the details are so intricate and well done which holds a lot of value so these pieces were only given to scholarly Confucian believers. And what was mentioned in the previous paragraphs is that jade functions have transitioned more into the everyday houseware items such as plates, cups and buttons. This last piece is called a Gong, and comes from the Qing dynasty as well, it’s a carved jade piece in the shape of a fish. The meaning of a fish is correlated to abundance, immense wealth and luck. This pendant would be used in rituals like the earlier pieces shown to protect and to be associated with the dead person. In summary, while jade maintained its cultural significance throughout Chinese history, its use in the Qing dynasty differed from earlier periods such as the Shang dynasty and the Neolithic period in terms of function, symbolism, and artistic expression.
Jade In Beliefs
In many facets of Chinese philosophy, such as Confucianism, Daoism, and the Yin and Yang principles, jade is extremely important. The stone is revered in Confucianism as a representation of moral integrity, righteousness, and purity. The cultivation of virtue and living a virtuous life are important aspects of Confucian teachings, and jade is thought to exemplify these moral principles. Confucian scholars frequently saw jade as having the same qualities as the ideal gentleman, who aspires to be morally pure and incorruptible. As a result, jade acts as a constant reminder to preserve moral values in daily life and as a material symbol of moral excellence.
Jade is linked to spiritual enlightenment and immortality in Daoism. The Daoist philosophy places a strong emphasis on inner peace and harmony with nature. A reminder that jade has mystical qualities that extend life and strengthen spiritual energy. Jade is occasionally used in Daoist amulets or talismans, which practitioners wear to ward off bad energy and foster spiritual vitality. The symbolism of jade also reflects the Yin and Yang principles, which are central to Chinese philosophy and cosmology. Jade’s dual nature, representing the complementary forces of Yin and Yang, is reflected in its contrasting green and white colors. White jade represents the Yang, signifying assertiveness, strength, and femininity masculinity [DL edits], while green jade represents the Yin, signifying femininity, nurturing energy, and receptivity. The concept of Yin and Yang is centered around the harmonious balance of opposites, which is embodied by the two aspects of jade together. Beyond these specific belief systems, jade is also associated with prosperity, good fortune, and protection in Chinese culture. It is often exchanged as a gift to convey blessings and well wishes, particularly during significant life events such as weddings, births, and graduations. Jade is also believed to have protective qualities, shielding its wearer from harm and negative influences. Overall, jade’s deep-rooted symbolism in Chinese culture encompasses a wide range of spiritual, moral, and philosophical concepts, making it a revered and cherished symbol of cultural identity and heritage.
Jade Today
Today, jade maintains its status as a symbol of beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. It is predominantly used in jewelry and accessories, ranging from classic pieces to modern designs that appeal to diverse tastes. Beyond adornment, jade finds its place in decorative arts, adorning sculptures, figurines, and home decor items, adding an elegant touch to interior spaces. Additionally, jade continues to be incorporated into cultural and spiritual practices, serving as talismans, altar pieces, and objects of reverence. Its presence in fashion design, investment collections, and gift-giving underscores its enduring appeal and timeless allure in contemporary society, showcasing jade’s versatility and lasting relevance across cultures and generations.
Jade In Other Cultures
In several cultures other than China Jade also has served an importance, often with unique interpretations and uses. In Mesoamerica, particularly among the Maya and the Olmec civilizations, jade was prized for its rarity and symbolic value. It was associated with fertility, royalty, and the afterlife. Furthermore, in pre-Columbian Central America, jade held profound religious and social significance among the Maya, as detailed by scholars such as Mary Miller and Simon Martin in their book “Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya.” Jade artifacts were often interred with the deceased as symbols of wealth and status, and jade was intricately woven into cosmological beliefs and rituals. The transparency of jade and its cloudy pattern speaks for itself for why it has a spiritual connection. In New Zealand, among the indigenous Māori culture, nephrite jade, locally known as “pounamu” or “greenstone,” holds immense cultural significance. It is revered as a taonga (treasure) and is traditionally used in tools, weapons, and adornments.
In summary, jade has been treasured in Chinese culture for thousands of years, symbolizing beauty, spirituality, and cultural heritage. From ancient rituals to modern jewelry, jade has played a central role in Chinese society, representing virtues like purity and immortality. Its significance extends beyond China, resonating in cultures worldwide. Today, jade continues to be valued for its aesthetic appeal and spiritual significance, remaining a cherished emblem of beauty and cultural identity that transcends time and borders.
Sources
Foster, Suzanne Haney. 1986. Chinese Jade : The Image from Within. 1st ed. Pasadena, Calif: Pacific Asia Museum.
Symbolism of Jade: Understanding Its Cultural Significance.” Symbolism Guide, November 17, 2023. https://symbolismguide.com/symbolism-of-jade/#Historical_Significance_of_Jade
Jade History and Lore-GIA
Moko|Pounamu
Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya, Mary Miller and Simon Martin
