The Art of Adornment: Exploring Jade in the Book of Songs

“玉之瑱兮、“充耳琇莹”- 《诗经》

"Jade of exquisite beauty" and "the sparkling allure of gemstones" – The Book of Songs

Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of decorative art, deeply intertwined with human history and culture, much like cave paintings and pottery. While pottery offers insights into the daily lives of prehistoric peoples, cave paintings reveal social structures, rituals, and beliefs; jewelry expresses humanity's enduring desire to adorn and convey individuality.

Jade ornaments emerged in China during the Neolithic period. The forms, techniques, and uses of Chinese jade jewelry have evolved alongside technological advancements and changing fashions, driven by the discovery of diverse jade types. Meanwhile, Europe was developing metalworking skills, incorporating gemstones and enamel into bronze and gold-silver jewelry.

Handcrafted Jade and Sandalwood Earrings

The reverence for jade in Chinese culture predates written history, with jade holding a status equivalent to gold in the West. It is believed that jade possesses spiritual qualities; wearing jade bangles is thought to ward off evil and bestow blessings and longevity. Today, jade continues to symbolize wealth and good fortune.

Notable varieties such as Xinjiang Hetian jade, Liaoning Xiu jade, Fujian Shoushan stone, Inner Mongolia Balin stone, Zhejiang chicken blood stone, Taiwan red coral, Henan Dushan stone, Fujian Huazhuan stone, and Hubei turquoise highlight the rich history and cultural significance of jade in adornment studies.