THE BEAUTY OF JADE
CHIANG HSUN: AESTHETICS IS ENHANCED BY AN ACCUMULATION OF HISTORICAL RECOLLECTIONS.

Jades are sought after objects in the Chinese culture. They are "beauty of the stones'', as defined in Shuowen Jiezi, an ancient Chinese dictionary. Early in the civilization of Heilongjiang, our ancestors found pieces of jade and carved them as tools and accessories. Since then, jades have become auspicious objects with both religious and enlightenment1 purposes. They are representations of status, religion and noble characters for more than 7000 years.

NURTURING A CULTURE WITH JADES
Archaic jades are deep rooted in the Chinese civilization. Early use of stone axes might have been replaced by bronzes, however jades remain to take a pivotal role in the Chinese culture. Translucent jades were believed to have transcendent powers to communicate with ancestors and spirits. Animal-shaped jade accessories of dragons, tigers, bears, birds, insects and fish were discovered along the coasts of Eastern China. As for Western China, the Qijia Culture worshipped the cosmos, thus large discs bi (Lot 703) and cong (Lot 707) were carved. Their circular form symbolized the sky, while their rectangular shape symbolized the land. The circular opening at the center facilitated ceremonial rituals, which brought religious meanings and comfort to the ancient civilizations.

Under the proliferation of bronzes, the affection towards jade did not relinquish. Early forms of axes became fashionable accessories such as discs (Lot 704) and jade rings (Lot 705). As the civilization burgeoned, hierarchical society emerged and jade accessories became a symbol of status. Scabbard chape (Lot 706) were fitted on staggers or swords as a symbol of protection and status, most prevalent in the Western Han period. Auspicious jade were carved in openwork, in the form of fish (Lot 701) and dragon (Lot 700 & 702). According to the Records of the Grand Historian, King Zhou of Shang put on his clothes with jade ornaments before ending his life in fire. This demonstrates the strong association of jade with dignity of the ancient nobles.

EMBRACING HISTORY THROUGH JADE CONNOISSEURSHIP
Throughout history, the mightiest collector Emperor Qianlong of Qing adored archaic jades. The Qing court kept a vast collection and detailed records of imperial poems praising archaic jades. One of them was a commentary made by the Emperor while appreciating the object. It states his admiration for the role of jade in stabilizing society through status, and in enlightening the public through a Han moral story. Jade connoisseurship becomes a personal experience with the Past and an admiration towards a culture.
Archaic jade was profoundly attached to the Chinese civilization and history. Contemporary author Chiang Hsun once mentioned that aesthetics is enhanced by an accumulation of historical recollections. Every incision marks the intelligence of an ancient civilization; every mindless imperfection is a mark of history. Their touch is softened by excellent craftsmanship; Their translucent surface shines in their ancient pride and glory. This makes the experience of jade appreciation comparable to an enlightening journey to the past.