In the vast river of Chinese history, jade is not only a precious mineral but also a sacred object carrying the national spirit and cultural etiquette. As an ancient jade collector, I deeply understand that the term "collecting jade" is far more than mere possession; it is an elegant pursuit of self-cultivation and cultural transmission. The art of collecting jade involves not only appreciation but also etiquette and wisdom.
I. Reverence: Jade from Kunlun, the Belief in the Unity of Heaven and Humanity
Ancient people said: "A gentleman does not part with jade without reason." This is not only an affirmation of the physical value of jade but also a reverence for its spiritual connotations. Since ancient times, jade has been endowed with the sacred mission of communicating with heaven and connecting with deities. From the jade dragons of the Hongshan culture and the jade cong of the Liangzhu culture in the Neolithic Age, to the jade gui and jade bi of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, all reflect the ancients' awe of jade. The jade pig-dragon unearthed from the Hongshan culture, with its ancient and mysterious shape, is considered an important ritual object in primitive religious sacrifices, symbolizing harvest and fertility. The jade cong of the Liangzhu culture, with its round inner and square outer shape, symbolizes the cosmic view of "heaven is round and earth is square," serving as a ritual tool to connect heaven and earth. These archaeological discoveries silently tell the supreme role jade played in the early stages of Chinese civilization.
Therefore, the first principle of collecting jade is "reverence." It means respecting the natural power and humanistic spirit contained in jade, treating it as a spiritual being rather than a cold object. When collecting, playing with, or displaying jade, one should always hold a sense of piety, a respect for history and culture. I once collected a grain-patterned jade bi from the Warring States period, with its warm patina and exquisite craftsmanship. Whenever I caress this bi, I feel as if I can sense the painstaking efforts of artisans and the prayers of ancient people from over two millennia ago. This reverence makes me cherish it even more and delve deeper into the stories behind it.
II. Cultivating Virtue through Jade: Intimacy with Jade, Nurturing Temperament
"Jade cannot be made into an artifact without carving, and a person cannot gain knowledge without learning." The warm luster of jade is not achieved overnight but through thousands of years of geological changes and artificial carving. Similarly, a jade collector needs to cultivate jade with virtue and be nurtured by jade. Ancient people emphasized "playing with jade," where long-term handling and rubbing allow the body's oils and sweat to penetrate the jade, making its color richer and its patina more lustrous. This is the essence of "people nourishing jade, and jade nourishing people."
Playing with jade is not simple friction; it involves a unique set of etiquette and methods. First, hands must be clean to avoid staining the jade surface. Second, one must be calm, feeling the warmth, coolness, texture, and weight of the jade during play, engaging in silent communication with it. I once heard an elder recount his story of playing with a Qing Dynasty Hetian jade pebble. When he first acquired it, the pebble was somewhat dry. He would clean his hands daily and calmly play with it. After several years, the jade gradually became oily and translucent, with a subdued luster, as if it had come alive. This is not merely a physical change in the jade but also a refinement and sublimation of the collector's character. Through playing with jade, we learn patience, meticulousness, and perseverance, which are precisely the virtues of a gentleman that jade embodies.
III. The Wisdom of Jade Collection: Discerning Authenticity, Ensuring Orderly Transmission
The art of collecting jade also requires wisdom. In the mixed market of antiques, distinguishing authenticity is a fundamental skill for collectors. It requires long-term learning and practice to evaluate jade from multiple dimensions, including its quality, color, carving, shape, and patina. However, true wisdom lies not only in discerning authenticity but also in a deep understanding of the historical and cultural background of jade.
For example, the archaeological discovery of the Han Dynasty "jade burial suit sewn with gold thread" not only showcased the superb jade craftsmanship of the Han Dynasty but also revealed the then-prevailing belief in "jade burial," where jade was thought to preserve the body and allow the soul to ascend to heaven. Understanding these cultural backgrounds is essential to truly grasp the value and significance of a Han Dynasty jade artifact. Collecting jade is for better transmission. Each piece of ancient jade is a solidified history, a piece of cultural information traversing time and space. Collectors have a responsibility to protect them, study them, and ultimately pass on this cultural heritage to future generations.
IV. Modern Inheritance: Allowing Jade Culture to Flourish Anew
In contemporary society, jade culture continues to thrive. From traditional jade carving art to modern jade jewelry design, jade is integrated into our lives with its unique charm. However, true inheritance is not merely the continuation of material objects but also the promotion of spirit. We should advocate a healthy concept of jade collection, not for profit, but for the responsibility of cultural transmission.
Through my collection and research, I hope to enable more people to understand the profound connotations of jade and appreciate the gentlemanly qualities it embodies. May the virtues of jade—benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and integrity—continue to shine in modern society. The art of collecting jade is ancient wisdom and eternal etiquette. It teaches us how to live in harmony with nature, how to converse with history, and how to guard and transmit the treasures of the Chinese nation with a spirit of reverence.