|
|
|
The Collection
For the wise, the compactness and extreme hardness of jade represent the sureness of intelligence.
- Confucius, or Kongfuzi (551-479 BC) |
| This collection of archaic Chinese jade is selected to give evidence of Chinese seafaring activities from the Shang Dynasty (c. 6000-1700 B.C.) to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Twenty-six jade artefacts, carefully chosen from the Chicochai Collection, demonstrate the technical and aesthetics sensibility of this ancient civilization. |
| Click for larger view |
|
|
|
|
| The Chinese jade age began in the late Neolithic age (ca. 4,000 B.C.) Since this period, a variety of stones were chosen to make objects for ceremonial and utilitarian purposes. These selected stones were later referred to as yu. Yu has been for many generations associate with spiritual and mystical significance. A diverse mineral group, including nephrite, quartz, serpentine, soapstone and jadeite were used. |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning in the 1950s, China discovered an extraordinary amount of ancient burial tombs. Hundreds of gravesites were excavated. At these sites, archaeologists discovered mysterious jade objects buried along with the dead. Conditioned by geography and local climate, the stylistic differences of these ancient jade suggest the existence of various regional jade traditions and cultures - each with its own distinguishing characteristic and significance. The extraordinary amount of stylized jade pieces discovered also suggests the establishment of a dedicated industry for producing jade works.
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
