Jade, since ancient times, has been the embodiment of the Chinese national spirit. Its gentle, resilient, and understated qualities perfectly align with the Eastern philosophy of the Doctrine of the Mean and the conduct of a gentleman. However, as we look back through history, we find that jade culture has not remained static. Especially during the turbulent century of modern and contemporary times, jade has profoundly transformed its meaning and value, transitioning from an exclusive plaything of emperors and generals to a cherished item in ordinary households.
In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican era, Chinese society underwent unprecedented upheaval. As a symbol of the feudal dynasty, the status of jade artifacts also wavered. Once, divine objects like the 'Heshi Bi' could only be worn by royalty and nobility. Now, with the collapse of the imperial system, they began to circulate among the populace. This did not signify the decline of jade culture; rather, it was an opportunity for a phoenix-like rebirth. For instance, in the Palace Museum, we can marvel at numerous exquisite Qing Dynasty imperial jade artifacts. However, with the abdication of Puyi, some of these once-forbidden treasures were taken out of the palace, while others were lost during subsequent wars. This inadvertently broadened the channels for jade circulation and provided more opportunities for folk jade carvers to access and learn imperial techniques.
Entering the Republican period, Western influences permeated Chinese society, and new aesthetic trends emerged. While traditional jade carving themes such as 'dragon and phoenix bringing prosperity' and 'blessings, longevity, and happiness' still dominated, new themes reflecting the spirit of the times began to appear. For example, some jade carvings featured figures in Republican-era attire or incorporated geometric lines from Western decorative art. Simultaneously, jade artifacts began to evolve from purely ceremonial objects and ornaments to more practical items, such as jade stationery, cigarette holders, and jewelry. During this period, numerous famous jade carving workshops and masters emerged in places like Shanghai, Beijing, and Yangzhou. They not only inherited traditional techniques but also injected new vitality into jade culture through innovation. For instance, jewelry stores like 'Lao Feng Xiang' in Shanghai began to introduce jade inlay craftsmanship to the market, making jade artifacts not just lofty works of art but also fashionable items for daily wear.
After the founding of New China, jade culture entered a new phase of development. The state's emphasis on traditional arts and crafts ensured the systematic protection and inheritance of jade carving techniques. A series of large state-owned jade carving enterprises, such as the Beijing Jade Carving Factory, Yangzhou Jade Carving Factory, and Shanghai Jade Carving Factory, were established, bringing together jade carving masters from all over the country. They not only revived traditional crafts that were on the verge of being lost but also, against the backdrop of socialist construction, created a large number of works reflecting the spirit of the new era, such as jade carvings of 'Chairman Mao badges' and jade artifacts depicting workers, peasants, and soldiers. During this period, the mining, processing, and sale of jade also became standardized and scaled, making jade products more widespread and accessible to ordinary households. For example, in the 1970s and 1980s, owning a Hetian jade bracelet was a prized possession for many ordinary families.
Since the reform and opening-up, China's economy has soared, and people's living standards have significantly improved, leading to an increasing pursuit of a better life. Driven by the market economy, jade culture has experienced unprecedented prosperity. On the one hand, traditional jade carving art has seen immense development, with various schools flourishing, masters emerging, and works repeatedly winning international awards. On the other hand, the investment and collection value of jade has become increasingly prominent, with prices of precious jades like Hetian jade and jadeite skyrocketing, attracting a large number of collectors and investors. At the same time, the wearing of jade has become more fashionable and personalized, with an endless array of jade jewelry, ornaments, and decorative items catering to the needs of different consumer groups. For instance, in today's jewelry market, we can find jade necklaces and earrings that incorporate modern design concepts, retaining the gentle and understated qualities of jade while showcasing a fashionable and avant-garde charm.
However, behind the prosperity, we also face challenges. Over-exploitation leads to resource depletion, and market irregularities result in the proliferation of counterfeit and shoddy products, all of which threaten the healthy development of jade culture. As guardians of cultural heritage, we have a responsibility to guide consumers toward rational consumption, support sustainable development, protect jade resources, and inherit and promote the true essence of jade culture. The century-long transformation of modern and contemporary jade culture is a vivid history of moving from the imperial court to the common people, from tradition to modernity. It tells us that culture is not a rigid dogma but a living heritage that constantly evolves and revitalizes itself in the currents of time. Jade, this stone carrying the millennia-old dreams of the Chinese nation, will undoubtedly continue to shine with its unique brilliance in the future.