Jade has evolved over thousands of years, and its value has changed with time. Looking back at the history of jade development over the past 6,800 years, we can understand its significance through several key aspects.
First, the material itself is a precious gemstone, which gives it intrinsic value. This distinguishes jade from other antiques like calligraphy, paintings, bronze, or ceramics. The value of jade is influenced by factors such as origin, color, shape, and size. Historically, there was a saying that "a gentleman examines jade, and virtue comes second, followed by color." However, the story of He Shi in the pre-Qin era shows that people have always valued the material quality of jade. After the Qin and Han dynasties, jade from the Western Regions entered the mainland and became popular due to its high volume, pure texture, and fine color. For over 2,000 years, Yuyu dominated Chinese markets. Even Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty spent great resources to transport a heavy piece of jade from Xinjiang. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Burmese jade gradually replaced traditional Chinese jade.
Jade has long been more than just a decorative item. Initially, it was used as tools for production, ritual objects, and ornaments. As society developed and wealth increased, the concept of social hierarchy became stronger. Rare and beautiful jade items began to symbolize status and power. During the Neolithic period, some exquisite jade artifacts were found in the tombs of clan leaders. By the late Neolithic period, this trend became even more evident. In cemeteries of the Liangzhu Culture, hundreds of jade items were discovered in a single tomb, with some pieces only found in large tombs, reserved for the elite. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade was often associated with royalty. Items like “handle-shaped ornaments†were commonly found in royal tombs. After the unification of China under Qin Shi Huang, jade became a symbol of imperial authority. One famous example was the jade pass he made from Lantian jade, which later emperors considered essential to their legitimacy.
The use of jade as a marker of rank and power was deeply rooted in Chinese culture. According to the ancient text “Zhou Li,†the six types of ritual jades (Six Rui) had specific uses, and only those of certain ranks could wear them. The “Zuo Zhuan†also mentions that not wearing the correct jade could be seen as a sign of unworthiness. From the end of the primitive society to the Qing Dynasty, jade remained a powerful symbol of political hierarchy.
Beyond its symbolic meaning, jade also served as a form of wealth. In the Liangzhu culture, many jade burial sites were found, often belonging to individuals with significant social status. Some tombs contained hundreds of jade objects, not only used for rituals but also as a display of wealth. Similarly, during the Shang Dynasty, many aristocrats were buried with large quantities of jade, including items like jade coins and engraved pendants. Jade was also used as currency and tribute, showing its economic importance.
In the Ming Dynasty, jade materials came mainly from Liaoning and Xinjiang, obtained through trade or tribute. In the Western Zhou Dynasty, the Shu Kingdom once offered jade to the king. The value of fine jade was so high that it could be worth an entire city. Wars were sometimes fought over rare pieces. After the Qin and Han Dynasties, jade remained a prized possession among the wealthy. By the Song Dynasty, jade was already being sold as a commodity. With the rise of the Ming and Qing dynasties, jade shops became more common. By the late Qing period, jade was highly valued, and there was a saying that “old bronze jade could not be priced.â€
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