Pure and Lustrous—Ancient Chinese Jade Culture

Author: Gu Fang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Throughout the 7,000-year history of Chinese civilization, jade has been a shining pearl, a microcosm of Chinese culture. It was a revered sacred object for ancient ancestors, a symbol of the strict ritual hierarchy, a reflection of ancient aesthetics, and the embodiment of the fine virtues of the Chinese nation. Chinese jade culture has endured for 7,000 years without interruption, a rare cultural phenomenon in the world. The Chinese nation is renowned for its love and respect for jade. This book begins by introducing the concept and origins of jade, guiding readers into the mysterious and abstract world of ancient jade artifacts. Through its magnificent appearance and warm, lustrous inner quality, it reveals the sacred status of jade in ancient society. By exploring a series of legendary stories such as "Jade River Mining," "He Shi Jade," "Returning the Jade to Zhao," "Imperial Seal of Succession," "The Mystery of Jade Robes," and "Jade Treasures in Underground Tombs," the book reflects the joys, sorrows, and emotions of ancient people condensed in these small jade artifacts. This book reflects the latest achievements in jade culture research, with many precious textual and visual materials being disclosed for the first time. It is a comprehensive introduction to ancient Chinese jade culture.