Jade has evolved significantly over the past 6,800 years, and its value has been shaped by various factors throughout history. Unlike other antiques such as calligraphy, paintings, or ceramics, jade is a natural gemstone with intrinsic worth. This value is influenced by elements like origin, color, shape, and size.
Historically, jade was not only valued for its beauty but also for its symbolic meaning. The famous story of He Shi, from the pre-Qin era, illustrates how the material itself was highly prized. After the Qin and Han dynasties, jade from the Western Regions, particularly Yuzhou, became popular due to its high quality and abundance. For over 2,000 years, Yuzhou dominated the Chinese market. Even Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty spent considerable resources to transport massive pieces of jade from Xinjiang. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Myanmar jade began to replace traditional Chinese jade in popularity.
Initially, jade was used as tools, ritual objects, and decorations. As societies developed and wealth increased, jade items became symbols of status and power. During the Neolithic period, fine jade artifacts were found in the tombs of tribal leaders. By the late Neolithic period, jade had become even more significant, especially in the Liangzhu culture, where hundreds of jade items were buried with the elite. Some rare pieces were reserved exclusively for the ruling class.
In the Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade became a key symbol of authority. The "handle-shaped ornaments" found in large tombs of that time further emphasized this connection. After the unification of China under Qin Shi Huang, jade was used to create official seals, which later emperors considered essential to their legitimacy. Those who failed to obtain these seals were often ridiculed as "the white version of the Son of Heaven."
The use of jade was strictly regulated in later dynasties. The Tang and Han emperors set rules about who could possess certain types of jade. In the Qing Dynasty, jade was central to imperial treasures, with most of Emperor Qianlong’s 25 treasures made of jade. The "Zhou Li" text described the use of the "Six Rui" (ritual jades), which were reserved for specific social ranks.
Beyond status, jade also served as a form of wealth. In the Liangzhu culture, many tombs contained large numbers of jade items, indicating the owner's high social standing. Similarly, during the Shang Dynasty, jade was used as currency and tribute. A piece found in a woman’s tomb was engraved with "Luo Fang’s Ge Yu," showing its importance in trade.
In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, jade shops became more common, and jade was widely traded. By the late Qing period, jade was so valuable that it was said, "Old bronze jade cannot be priced." Overall, jade has remained a powerful symbol of status, wealth, and cultural heritage throughout Chinese history.
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