Transcript student culture presentation 4 Chinese Jade

玉
Jade
Geology of Jade
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The four main color varieties of Chinese
nephrite jade are Hetian jade, Lantian
jade, Nanyang jade, and Xiu Yu jade.
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Khotan or Hetian in the Western Chinese
province of Xinjiang have the largest jade
deposits. The Kunlun Mountains in northwestern China are where Hetian Nephrite
is mined. This type of jade is over mined
and is nearly gone.
Hetian black and white jade
Hetian white jade cabbage
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There are two categories of Hetian jade,
mountain and seed, with seed being more
desirable. Colors of this jade are black,
blue-white, green, mutton-fat, tang,
white, and yellow. Mutton-Fat Jade is
considered to be the finest with a 'greasy'
delicate texture and bright color.
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Lantian Jade is mined in Lantian Xian
county of the Shaanxi province of central
China. Lantian jade is known for its light
green and pale yellow color. It was
primarily used until the Han Dynasty (206
BC until 202 AD).
Lantian jade amulets
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Nanyang jade is mined in Nanyang County
in Henan Province. Colors are red, purple
and blue.
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Xiu Yu jade is mined in Liaoning Province
near Xiuyan County, in north-eastern
China. Colors are light green, dark green,
pink, yellow, tan and ivory. Xiu Yu jade is
easily carved because it is softer than
other types of jade.
Slab of Xiu Yu jade
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Large amounts of Feitsu or kingfisher
jadeite were imported from Burma during
the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD)
causing nephrite to lose popularity.
Colors include bright emerald green,
lavender and reddish brown.
jadeite necklace
Feitsu kingfisher jadeite
History of Jade
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Archaeologists have found jade objects dating
back to 5000 BC. Jade was used as a talisman
to protect the wearer and as a status symbol.
In the Han Dynasty (206 BC until 202 AD)
officials were buried with jade objects to protect
them in the afterlife.
Jade eye plaques
Han Dynasty
Jade cicadas
Han Dynasty
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Early jade carving was influenced by Buddhism
and Taoism. Popular subjects were:
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Duck, symbolizing love
Bamboo, symbolizing lofty conduct
Fan, symbolizing charity
Lotus, symbolizing holiness
Cabbage, symbolizing wealth and prosperity
Jadeite cabbage from the Forbidden City
Jade factory in Beijing
Imperial green jade ship
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Thank You