Book Review: Chinese Jade -- Power and Delicacy in a Majestic Art

Chinese Jade -- Power and Delicacy in a Majestic Art by Minghua Zhang, copyright 2004, published by Long River Press @ $12.95.

Modest in size, rich in illustration, this book introduces the jade of China through “history, cultural significance, and importance to the overall Chinese artistic canon.” In keeping with the small size of the book, coverage is limited to significant brief highlights.

 “Interesting and strange stories about ancient Chinese jade are simply too numerous to repeat.” However there are numerous anecdotes offered related to the history of the stone. Several times we meet poor Bian He, who made the mistake of presenting uncarved jade to the emperor. His feet were cut off in punishment for the insult. The emperor didn’t realize the marvelous qualities of the stone, for example that it could change color. However, the next king appreciated the stone and it became a treasured pendant, now missing or destroyed, called “He’s Pendant.”

“What jade lovers are afraid of most are fake jade objects.” Glass and polymer fakes are discussed.

The book also explores avenues available to the collector at various economic levels. It is advised that most jade termed “antique” is not, in part due to laws governing trade in cultural treasures. The considerable expertise necessary to identify antique jade is mentioned.

We learn that the earliest jade artifacts found in China date back 12,000 years! Various archaeological finds over the centuries are noted and related to advancement in crafting of objects and themes.

For those of us who enjoy the display rough, river-worn stones, the news is not good. Jade, we are told, is valued for the qualities of the carving. In keeping with this assertion, the illustrations are images of carved jade only.

It should be noted that this book is a translation of a work originally published by the Shanghai People’s Fine Arts Publishing House. This could be taken as an indication that certain knowledge is assumed in addressing the Chinese reader that may be lacking in the western reader. However, aspects such as symbolism are often explained.

In all, this little book may offer as much as the general reader cares to know about the subject. For others it will be a gateway opened to further research.

I have not attempted to download it but it appears that a pdf of the book is available at http://eethinktank.eu/297/chinese-jade-power-and-minghua-zhang-id44422.pdf