The jade-carving technique was developed quickly in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770-221BC.) The Spring and Autumn Period was known for its well-carved and exquisite jadeware. The coherent and undulating patterns of the dragon, phoenix and Panli (a figure of Chinese folklore) on the jade decorations are still treasured today.

A jade plate with dragon patterns from the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1100BC)

During the Qin and Han dynasties (221BC-AD220), jadeware became more practical and objects such as jade tablets became obsolete. At that time, people began to believe in the power of jadeware to increase longevity: They thought they would live forever like gods if they possessed jadeware. Therefore, the practice of burying the dead with jadeware became common. Invaluable jade figures and clothes sewn with golden thread have been found in tombs dating back to the Han Dynasty.

During the Three Kingdoms (AD220-280) until the Song and Yuan dynasties (960-1368), there were no great developments in jade carving. This changed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) when many famous craftsmen emerged. White jade vessels with golden holders and white jade bowls with golden lids, which were unearthed in the Ming Tombs, reflected the dynasty's peak level in jade carving. The jadeware technique peaked during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) under the advocacy of Emperor Qianlong.

Labels: Incense, Tibetan Jewelry

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