Beijing Jade Carving: A Time-Honored Craft

JADE enjoys a high cultural status in China. It is regarded as a symbol of virtue and nobility. A popular proverb says, “For a man of true nobility, it’s better to be a broken piece of jade than a whole tile.” It means that a man would rather die in glory than live in dishonor.

- DENG DI

Seen as the essence of Heaven and Earth, jade was used to make sacrificial vessels for royal families in ancient dynasties. Royal family and nobles wore jade jewelry and regarded it as a symbol of status.

Chinese people love jade for the virtue it represents. It is hard yet warm, beautiful yet reserved, noble yet inclusive. The phrase, “As modest and gentle as jade” is often used to describe a man with discreet gentility. And Chinese characters synonymous with jade are also a popular choice for children’s names.

According to archaeological findings, Chinese knew about and began to use jade during the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures in the Neolithic Age, which is over 10,000 years ago. Since then, jade artisans one generation after another have made brilliant artworks of jade, with their exquisite skills and intricate techniques.

Among all kinds of sophisticated jade carving skills in China, the Beijing jade carving craft is world famous for its magnificence and use of royal elements. Artifacts made by this craft are widely appreciated worldwide. They are also protected by the state, and rank among the “Eight Magnificent Treasures of Beijing.”

From Palace to Households

Beijing jade carving is a popular craft in Beijing. It used to be an imperial craft, since jade was initially owned, for the most part, by the royal family and nobility, and only a small amount was available among the general public. The renowned jade cabbage in the collection of the Taipei Palace Museum in Taiwan is a typical example of this craft.