Starting with an Old Jade Plaque: My Journey in Jade Collection and Maintenance

Hello fellow collectors! I'm Old Wang, and I've been collecting jade for decades. From my initial novice days to now, I've accumulated some insights. Today, I want to share with you a special old jade plaque from my collection journey. It's not only a personal favorite but also a microcosm of my collecting philosophy and maintenance experience.

Scene Introduction: That Old Jade Plaque That Haunts My Dreams

It was at an antique exchange fair in the south. Amidst the bustling crowd, my eyes were immediately drawn to an unassuming old jade plaque on a stall. It had no elaborate carving, no dazzling luster, but its warm patina and ancient patterns seemed to silently narrate history. At that time, I didn't have much money, but driven by my obsession with jade, I gritted my teeth and brought it home. After returning, I carefully examined it and found the jade to be warm and delicate, with natural color permeation. Although there were some minor chips, they didn't detract from its beauty. This jade plaque became the starting point of my collection journey and taught me that collecting jade is not just about its value, but more about its story and its charm.

Core Techniques: How to Choose a Jade with a Story

• Intuition and 'Eye-Love': Many say that collecting requires 'eye-love,' and this is absolutely true. When you see a piece of jade that brings you joy and makes you pause and gaze, it's likely a good piece. Of course, this needs to be built on a certain knowledge base, otherwise 'eye-love' might lead to a misjudgment.


• Careful Observation: When you get a piece of jade, don't rush to handle it. First, observe it with your naked eye. Look at its overall shape, carving, color permeation, and patina. Old jade often has a warm and natural patina, with color permeation from the inside out, transitioning smoothly. New jade, on the other hand, might have a dazzling luster and stiff color permeation.


• Hands-on Feel: Gently lift the jade and feel its weight, temperature, and texture. Genuine jade usually has a higher density and feels substantial in hand. Good quality jade feels warm and delicate to the touch, not cold and rough. My old jade plaque had a substantial, heavy feel when I picked it up, and it felt even more warm and smooth like grease when I played with it.


• Learning and Communication: This is the most important. Read more books, visit more museums, and communicate more with experienced collectors. I accumulated my experience in identifying old jade through continuous learning. I remember once showing my old jade plaque to an old expert, who immediately identified its age and some characteristics, which benefited me greatly.

Jade is alive and needs careful care to become more lustrous and beautiful with handling. My experience can be summarized as 'Three Don'ts and Three Dos':

Three Don'ts:

• Avoid Bumps: Although jade has high hardness, it is brittle and most afraid of bumps. My old jade plaque had some minor chips due to poor storage by its previous owner, which saddened me. When storing, it's best to wrap it in a soft cloth and store it separately.


• Avoid Oil Stains: If jade surfaces get stained with oil, it will affect its luster and patina. Especially when cooking, try not to wear jade. If it gets stained, wipe it clean immediately with water and a soft cloth.


• Avoid High Temperature Exposure: High temperatures can cause changes in the internal structure of jade, leading to dehydration, cracking, and even discoloration. Therefore, do not expose jade to direct sunlight for long periods in summer, and do not place it near heat sources.

• Regular Handling: "People nourish jade, and jade nourishes people." Regular handling is the best way to maintain jade. The oils and sweat secreted by the human body will penetrate into the jade through its pores, making it more warm and lustrous. But always wash your hands before handling to keep them clean.


• Regular Cleaning: Regularly wipe the surface of the jade with clean water and a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. If there are stubborn stains on the jade surface, you can gently wipe it with a diluted neutral detergent, then rinse with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth.


• Maintain Humidity: In dry climates, jade can easily lose moisture. You can place jade in a relatively humid environment, or regularly soak it in clean water for a short period, then dry it. I usually keep my old jade plaque in a brocade box with a humidifying function.

For me, collecting jade is not just about owning; it's a practice of conversing with history and resonating with art. Every piece of jade has its unique story, and we, as collectors, are the guardians and inheritors of these stories. Starting with that old jade plaque, I learned patience, appreciation, and most importantly, how to cherish these gifts from nature. I hope my experiences can inspire fellow collectors. Remember, the joy of collecting lies in discovery, in nurturing, and in that unique emotional connection.