1. A Journey in Jade A Collection of Artifacts from Ancient China

2. Jade in Ancient China Jade was highly valued in Ancient China for many reasons  The polish and brilliancy of the stone was thought to represent purity  Its extreme hardness represented intelligence  Its angles represent justice  Its color represents loyalty and the transparency- sincerity  The Han believed that jade was an aid to attaining immortality and many jade artifacts are found in burial sites

3. - Late Neolithic period - around 2000 BC - Width: 5.8 cm  Objects like this found in tombs in both the Shang and Zhou dynasties  Similar sculptures made from bronze during the Shang Dynasty  Demonstrates artistic skill of the Ancient Chinese even with little evidence of sophisticated carvings tools Jade Face

4.  The term "bi" is applied to wide discs with small center holes  This particular piece belonged to the The Qianlong emperor who reigned from 1736-95  inscription (by the emperor) says that his poetic imagination was stirred by its exquisite shape, and the quality of the jade Jade Bi - Shang Dynasty (1500-1050 BCE) - Diameter: 5.9 inches

5.  This dagger was actually a ritual object rather than a weapon  Unearthed in 1974 at Panlongcheng, Huangpi, Hubei Province  Demonstrates the value in ritual practices in Ancient China  Color variations show the detail of the stone Jade Ge (dagger-axe) - Shang Dynasty (1500-1050 BCE) - length of blade (48.8 cm) http://www.nmch.gov.cn/en/collections/display.asp?Id=341&Antique_Number=1-0120

6. http://www.nmch.gov.cn/en/collections/display.asp?Id= 344&Antique_Number=2-0032  Unearthed from a tomb in the Henan Province, in l951  This pendant is composed of seven pieces of jade openwork, joined by copper plates  Decorated with dragon images and a cloud pattern  Jade pendants also used as ritual objects in court ceremonies and during sacrifices and funerals Jade Dragon Pendant - Warring States Period - 20.5 cm long, 4.8 cm wide

7. http://www.sdmart.org/image/image.pl?mode=&painting=31452 9&axis=1070141408  Detailed carving on the handle  Most likely used by wealthy woman  Perhaps more for decorative use than for functionality Jade Comb - Warring States Period - 2.6 in. high, 1.6 in. deep,.8 in deep

8.  Cicadas associated with resurrection since they pupate and emerge from underground after several years  Cicadas on the tongue of the dead  These carved pieces show the Cicadas' prominent eyes, boldly cut wings and lobed undersides Jade Cicadas - Han Dynasty 206 BC - AD 220 - Length: 6 cm Width: 3.3 cm

9.  This jade suit was unearthed at Yongcheng, Henan  Burial clothes of an emperor or high-ranking noble  Suit is made up of 2008 pieces of jade sewn together with gold wire Jade Burial Suit - Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220 - Length: 180 cm, Width: 125 cm

10. Sources and Museum Donations British Museum National Museum of Chinese History San Diego Museum of Art Henan Museum Chinese Jade: From Actual to Present