Distinguished colleagues and fellow jade enthusiasts, I am Zhao Yaqin. For over thirty years, I have been immersed in the jade industry, with a particular fondness for the gentle warmth and profound depth of ancient jade. Ancient jade is not merely a cold mineral; it is a living fossil of Chinese civilization, embodying the beliefs, aesthetics, and wisdom of our ancestors. In recent years, with advancements in technology and the expansion of research perspectives, the field of ancient jade cultural studies is undergoing a profound transformation. Today, I wish to share some of my thoughts on the new trends in ancient jade research and how we can better "dialogue" with these treasures that span millennia.

I. From "Artifact" to "Cultural Ecosystem": A Macro Perspective on Ancient Jade Research

In the past, our research on ancient jade primarily focused on identifying and dating the intrinsic characteristics of artifacts, such as their forms, patterns, coloration (qin色), and craftsmanship. While this forms a crucial foundation, we now need to examine ancient jade within the cultural ecosystem in which it originated.

For instance, the jade artifacts of the Hongshan culture, with their unique C-shaped dragons and cloud-shaped objects, are no longer seen merely as peculiar forms. Instead, they are intimately connected to the shamanistic beliefs, sacrificial rituals, and cosmic views of that era. When we view these jade artifacts in conjunction with contemporary pottery, stone tools, burial customs, and even tribal migration routes, we can more profoundly understand the central role jade played in the spiritual world of the Hongshan people, and how it existed as a symbol of power and a medium for communicating with deities.

Another example is the jade of the Shang and Zhou dynasties. From ritual vessels to personal ornaments, and from deification to humanization, its evolution reflects the changes in social structure and the maturation of ritualistic thought. We are no longer content with merely identifying the style of the "臣" (chen) character eye or the taotie pattern; instead, we aim to explore the patriarchal ethics, hierarchical systems, and ancestral understanding of life and death embedded within these patterns. This requires us not only to possess specialized knowledge of jade appreciation but also to delve into various disciplines such as archaeology, history, ethnology, and religious studies to construct a more three-dimensional picture of ancient jade culture.

II. Technology Empowerment: The Mysteries of the Microscopic World and New Dating Evidence

Traditional ancient jade authentication largely relied on experience and keen observation. However, with the intervention of modern technology, we are able to uncover more secrets of ancient jade at a microscopic level.

Non-destructive testing techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, can analyze the mineral composition, crystal structure, and trace element distribution of jade. They can even identify microscopic processing marks and the formation mechanisms of coloration on the surface of ancient jade. For example, by analyzing microscopic marks on the surface of jade artifacts, we can infer whether the ancient craftsmen used abrasive sand or metal tools for carving, thereby assisting us in more accurately determining the age and craftsmanship level of the objects.

Even more exciting, some research teams are attempting to utilize big data and artificial intelligence to establish databases of ancient jade patterns, forms, and coloration characteristics. Through machine learning, they aim to assist in authentication and dating. Although still in its nascent stages, its potential is immense, promising to provide more objective and scientific evidence for ancient jade authentication.

Of course, technology is a tool, not a panacea. It can provide data, but the ultimate interpretation and judgment still depend on our deep understanding of ancient jade culture and rich practical experience. The combination of technology with human observation and experience is the correct direction for future ancient jade authentication.

III. The Interaction of Market and Academia: Reshaping Value and the Responsibility of Inheritance

The value of ancient jade has never been singular. It possesses historical and cultural value, artistic and aesthetic value, and certainly economic and collection value. Currently, the ancient jade market is increasingly active, but this is accompanied by a proliferation of counterfeits and excessive speculation.

As industry experts, we have a responsibility to guide the market back to rationality, prioritizing the cultural value of ancient jade. This requires us to strengthen academic research, promptly disseminate the latest research findings to the public, and enhance everyone's appreciation skills and cultural literacy. At the same time, we must actively participate in the formulation of market regulations, combat counterfeiting and fraudulent sales, and maintain the healthy development of the ancient jade market.

I have always emphasized that every piece of ancient jade is a solidified history, a gift that transcends time. We collect it not merely for possession, but for inheritance. We have a responsibility to understand the stories behind it, to protect it, to research it, and to allow more people to appreciate its beauty and feel the profoundness of Chinese civilization it embodies.

Summary and Recommendations:

Ancient jade cultural research is evolving from a singular study of artifacts to a multidisciplinary cultural ecosystem study, from empirical judgment to scientifically assisted authentication, and from purely academic exploration to a positive interaction with the market and the public.

I recommend:

  • Strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation: Encourage experts and scholars from archaeology, history, ethnology, materials science, and other fields to jointly participate in ancient jade research, breaking down disciplinary barriers and forming a concerted effort.


  • Deepening technological application: Actively introduce and develop advanced non-destructive testing technologies, establish databases of ancient jade characteristics, and promote the application of artificial intelligence in ancient jade authentication.


  • Popularizing ancient jade culture: Through lectures, exhibitions, publications, new media, and other diverse forms, disseminate knowledge about ancient jade to the public, raising public awareness and understanding of ancient jade and its protection.


  • Regulating market behavior: Industry associations should work closely with government departments to formulate industry standards, combat counterfeiting and shoddy products, and guide the healthy and orderly development of the ancient jade market.


Ancient jade is a treasure of the Chinese nation. To research it and to inherit it is the mission of our generation. I firmly believe that through unremitting efforts and innovation, we can better unveil the mysteries of ancient jade, allowing these spirits that have slumbered for millennia to radiate even more brilliant light in the new era. Thank you all!