Distinguished colleagues and fellow jade enthusiasts, I am Zhao Yaqin. Having dedicated over thirty years to the jade industry, I have always held boundless passion and reverence for the allure of ancient jade, especially the profound cultural connotations it embodies. Ancient jade is not merely an inert mineral; it is a witness to history, a vessel of civilization, and a concrete manifestation of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste and philosophical thought. Today, I wish to discuss some new perspectives in the field of ancient jade cultural research, hoping to inspire fresh insights for everyone.

For a long time, our understanding of ancient jade has largely been confined to its role as a "ritual object." From the jade dragons of the Hongshan culture and the jade cong of the Liangzhu culture, to the jade gui and jade bi of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, ancient jade played a crucial role in rituals, power dynamics, and hierarchical systems. This "ritual object theory" is undoubtedly correct, as it reveals the core function of ancient jade in early societies. However, with the deepening of archaeological excavations and the expansion of interdisciplinary research, I am increasingly inclined to believe that merely defining ancient jade as a "ritual object" might underestimate its pervasive influence in the daily lives of ancient people.

My new perspective is this: the cultural connotations of ancient jade are extending from a singular "ritual object" function to a broader "aesthetics of life" dimension. This implies that ancient jade was not only a solemn symbol in grand temples but also a warm and exquisite adornment on ancient wrists, an elegant display on desks, and even a vessel for spiritual solace.

Let us consider a few practical examples to substantiate my viewpoint.

Firstly, the popularization and evolution of ornamental jade.

While early jade artifacts were predominantly ritual objects, with social development, small jade ornaments such as jade pendants, jade huang, and jade jue gradually increased. These jade ornaments were often exquisitely carved with auspicious patterns. They no longer solely symbolized power or status but increasingly became objects for daily wear and personal expression. For instance, the dragon and phoenix patterned jade pendants prevalent during the Warring States period, with their intricate openwork craftsmanship and fluid lines, fully embodied the aesthetic pursuits of the people at that time. These jade pendants, rather than being ritual objects, were more akin to a part of ancient people's refined lives. They served as adornments for personal image, "calling cards" in social settings, and projections of their spiritual world.

Secondly, the rise of decorative jade and scholarly elegance.

After the Han Dynasty, with the maturation of jade carving techniques and the emergence of the literati class, jade artifacts began to enter private collections and scholarly curiosities in large numbers. Jade brush pots, jade paperweights, jade washers, and various jade carvings became common fixtures on scholars' desks. These jade objects no longer carried any ceremonial function; their existence was purely to satisfy people's aesthetic needs and spiritual solace. For example, the jade mountain carving, popular in the Qing Dynasty, integrated the artistic conception of landscape painting into jade, showcasing the literati's desire for "armchair travel" through nature. This completely transcended the realm of "ritual objects" and entered the domain of "aesthetics of life." Ancient people, by handling and appreciating these jade objects, cultivated their sentiments and refined their character, which in itself was a manifestation of a way of life.

Furthermore, the combination of jade artifacts with folk beliefs.

Beyond official rituals and scholarly elegance, ancient jade also played a significant role among the common people. For instance, burial jades such as jade cicadas and jade pigs embodied the ancients' beautiful wishes for the immortality of the deceased's soul and peace in the afterlife. Some small jade carvings, such as jade zodiac animals and jade Buddhas, were regarded as amulets or mascots, carrying people's simple prayers for peace and happiness. Although these jade artifacts were not as grand and solemn as ritual objects, they were closer to people's daily lives and reflected the ancients' thoughts on life and the future. They were part of the ancient spiritual world, a concretization of their life beliefs.

Therefore, I believe that expanding the cultural connotations of ancient jade from a singular "ritual object" function to a broader "aesthetics of life" dimension allows for a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of its value. It is not merely an important archaeological discovery but also a vivid portrayal of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste, philosophical thought, and way of life.

Summary and Recommendations:

The study of ancient jade is an endless field. We should not be complacent with existing theoretical frameworks but should embrace an open mind, combining the latest archaeological discoveries, technological means, and interdisciplinary knowledge to continuously expand the depth and breadth of our research.

My recommendations are:

  • Strengthen interdisciplinary research: Integrate knowledge from archaeology, history, art history, sociology, anthropology, and even psychology into ancient jade research to analyze its cultural connotations from multiple dimensions.


  • Focus on microscopic details: In addition to grand ritual objects, we should pay more attention to seemingly inconspicuous small jade artifacts, ornamental jades, and decorative jades. They often reflect a more authentic and lifelike aspect of ancient people.


  • Emphasize hands-on appreciation and experience: While theoretical research is important, only by personally handling and meticulously observing ancient jade, feeling its warmth and exquisite beauty, can one truly grasp its inherent cultural charm.


  • Promote the popularization of ancient jade culture: Present the results of ancient jade research to the public in a more vivid and accessible way, allowing more people to understand and appreciate ancient jade, thereby inheriting and promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture.


Ancient jade is a treasure of Chinese civilization. It is silent, yet it tells stories spanning thousands of years. As practitioners and researchers in the jade industry, we have the responsibility and obligation to delve into these stories, allowing the cultural light of ancient jade to shine even more brilliantly in the new era. Thank you all.