Cultural Artifact - Chinese Jade

The Chinese character 'yù' is translated into English as 'jade,' a beautiful stone. Jade is really special in Chinese culture as it shares a long history with Chinese civilization. Archaeologists have found jade objects from the ancient period, as early as 5000 BC. As the Chinese saying goes "Gold has a value; jade is invaluable." Carved jade objects are intrinsically valuable and are also the symbol of power in the ancient time. The most famous story about jade is “Wan Bi Gui Zhao” which means, “Jade Returned Intact to Zhao.” The king of the Qin State, the most powerful state during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), attempted to exchange a carved jade from the Zhao State using his 15 cities, but he failed. Finally the jade was returned to the Zhao State safely. The Chinese love jade not only because of its beauty, but also more importantly its cultural significance: humanity, durability, nobility, perfection, power, immortality and (moral) beauty.