Title: A New Perspective on Hetian Jade Collection: From the "Whiteness Myth" to the "True Nature of Jade"

Dear jade enthusiasts, I am Li Yuhua. Having been involved in Hetian jade collection and appraisal for over thirty years, I have witnessed the dramatic changes in the Hetian jade market and experienced countless encounters and farewells with beautiful jade. Today, I would like to share some new thoughts on Hetian jade collection, hoping to inspire your collecting journey.

I. Dispelling the "Whiteness is King" Myth: Returning to the Essence of Jade Quality

There was a time when "a single whiteness covers a hundred flaws" was the golden rule in the Hetian jade market, and "mutton fat jade" was revered as the ultimate standard. However, with resource depletion and market speculation, some jade that was not truly mutton fat jade, and even some Qinghai and Russian materials, were marketed as "high white" and sold at exorbitant prices. This led many novice collectors to blindly pursue whiteness, thereby missing out on many truly valuable Hetian jades.

I have always believed that the value of Hetian jade is far more than just its whiteness. While whiteness is important, it is only one dimension of jade quality. True Hetian jade collection should return to the essence of jade quality, which we often refer to as "jade nature" (玉性). What is jade nature? It encompasses the jade's warmth, fineness, oiliness, toughness, and understated elegance, among many other qualities. Even if a piece of jade is slightly less white, if it possesses these excellent jade characteristics, its collection value will often be higher.

For example, I once collected a piece of Hetian jade seed material that was not pure white but had a faint greenish tint. However, its jade quality was exceptionally fine, and when handled, it felt incredibly oily, as if it could exude oil. This unique warmth and oiliness are qualities that many high-white jades lack. After years of handling, the value of this jade far surpassed several high-white jades collected during the same period. This fully demonstrates that "jade nature" is the soul of Hetian jade collection.

II. From "Origin Worship" to "Material Character Identification": Discerning the Intrinsic Qualities of Jade

In the past, people had an almost fanatical worship of the origin of Hetian jade, believing that only jade produced in the Xinjiang Hetian region was authentic Hetian jade. This "origin worship" led to excessive pursuit of Xinjiang material in the market and undervalued high-quality Hetian jade from other regions.

However, with advancements in geological exploration technology and in-depth research into the mineral composition of Hetian jade, we have found that while Hetian jade from different origins may have subtle differences in mineral composition and structure, as long as they meet the identification standards for Hetian jade, they can all be called Hetian jade. More importantly, origin alone cannot fully determine the quality of a piece of jade.

I prefer "material character identification" (料性甄别). This means that regardless of the origin, we should focus on the inherent "material character" of the jade itself. Material character refers to the physical and chemical properties of the jade, including density, hardness, toughness, luster, and transparency. A high-quality piece of Hetian jade, whether it is Xinjiang, Russian, or Qinghai material, should possess excellent material characteristics. For example, a Russian material with high density, good toughness, and a warm luster may have a far greater collection value than a Xinjiang mountain material with low density and poor toughness.

I once met a collector who was fixated on collecting Xinjiang Hetian jade seed material, but due to a lack of experience in material character identification, he purchased several pieces of seed material with poor appearance and coarse jade quality. I suggested that he broaden his horizons and look for some high-quality Russian or Qinghai materials. Later, he took my advice and collected several pieces of Russian material with fine jade quality and excellent oiliness. The appreciation potential of these jades far exceeded the Xinjiang seed materials he had collected previously.

III. The Artistic Value of Carving and the Aesthetic Shift Towards "Retaining Skin and Flaws"

In Hetian jade collection, carving has always been an important consideration. Exquisite carving can imbue jade with new life and enhance its artistic value. However, in recent years, with the shift in aesthetic concepts, there has been a growing preference for Hetian jade pieces that "retain skin and flaws" (留皮留僵).

Traditional carving philosophy was to "remove impurities and keep it clean," striving to eliminate flaws in the jade and showcase its pure side. But now, some excellent jade carvers are beginning to cleverly integrate the natural skin color and "jams" (僵点, areas of lesser quality) of the jade into their designs, making them unique highlights of the work. This creative concept of "retaining skin and flaws" not only demonstrates the carver's ingenuity but also gives the work a more natural beauty and individual charm.

I personally greatly appreciate this aesthetic shift. If a seed material with natural skin color can be skillfully carved, perfectly integrating the skin color with the subject matter, then the artistic and collection value of that piece will be greatly enhanced. It is no longer just a piece of jade but a unique work of art.

IV. The Ultimate Goal of Collection: Cultural Inheritance and Spiritual Sustenance

Hetian jade collection is not merely an accumulation of wealth; it is also a form of cultural inheritance and spiritual sustenance. Every piece of Hetian jade carries the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. It is not just a stone, but a witness to history and a carrier of emotions.

I have collected Hetian jade for many years, and my greatest joy is not the economic returns it brings, but the tranquility and happiness that come with being accompanied by jade. Whenever I hold a warm piece of Hetian jade, feeling its delicate texture and understated luster, it feels as if I can travel through time and converse with ancient people. This spiritual satisfaction is incomparable to any material wealth.

Summary and Recommendations:

Hetian jade collection is a discipline, and more importantly, an art. It requires continuous learning, practice, and understanding.

• Dispelling myths and returning to authenticity: Do not blindly pursue whiteness or origin; instead, focus on the "jade nature" and "material character" of the jade.

• Improving appreciation skills: Observe, touch, and compare more to cultivate a keen perception of jade quality.

• Paying attention to carving and aesthetics: Appreciate exquisite carving, but also understand and accept the aesthetic shift towards "retaining skin and flaws."

• Maintaining a calm mind: The purpose of collecting Hetian jade should be to learn and inherit culture, enjoying the pleasure of the collecting process.

• Investing cautiously and within your means: The Hetian jade market carries risks, so invest with prudence.

I hope my sharing can bring some new thoughts and directions to your Hetian jade collecting journey. I wish all jade enthusiasts can find their beloved beautiful jade and enjoy the unique charm that Hetian jade brings!