Jade, the cultural totem of the Chinese nation, carries thousands of years of civilization. However, when we discuss the "history of jade culture," we often unconsciously turn our gaze to the distant prehistoric, Shang, Zhou, Han, Tang, and even Ming and Qing imperial collections. Little do we know that in the turbulent century of modern history, jade culture has also undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a mysterious symbol exclusive to emperors to an aesthetic part of ordinary people's lives, radiating vibrant vitality.
In the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China, dynastic changes and social unrest severely impacted the traditional jade carving industry. Once upon a time, the imperial workshops were the highest halls of jade craftsmanship, with their exquisite techniques and vast array of precious materials being awe-inspiring. However, with the abdication of Puyi, imperial jade artisans dispersed among the populace, and a large number of imperial jade artifacts were sold off or lost overseas, causing jade carving art to fall into a slump. At that time, Western cultural trends poured in, new education emerged, and traditional concepts were challenged. Jade, as a symbol of the feudal monarchy, also had its status questioned. However, this was not the end of jade culture, but rather the prelude to its rebirth from the ashes.
During the Republic of China period, some insightful individuals began to advocate for the protection and inheritance of traditional culture. For example, renowned scholars such as Wang Guowei and Luo Zhenyu conducted systematic textual research and studies on ancient jade artifacts, laying the foundation for the academic study of jade culture. At the same time, a number of private jade businesses and workshops emerged in places like Shanghai and Beijing. They inherited traditional techniques and tried to integrate jade with modern life. For instance, some jade carvers began to create jade pendants, bracelets suitable for daily wear, and practical jade stationery and ornaments, making jade no longer aloof but integrated into the lives of the urban middle class. During this period, despite frequent wars, jade, as an item that could preserve and increase value, was also favored by some wealthy classes, allowing jade carving techniques to continue.
After the founding of New China, jade culture ushered in new development opportunities. The state's emphasis on handicrafts led to the support and development of the jade carving industry. In the 1950s, large state-owned jade carving enterprises such as the Beijing Jade Carving Factory and the Shanghai Jade Carving Factory were successively established, gathering jade carving masters and excellent craftsmen from all over the country. They not only restored traditional techniques that were on the verge of being lost, such as "thin-walled" and "playful color" techniques, but also innovated in subject matter, incorporating the achievements of New China's construction and the happy lives of the people into their jade carving works. For example, jade carving works with themes of "workers, farmers, and soldiers," as well as jade ornaments reflecting the beautiful landscapes of the motherland and national unity, all demonstrated distinct characteristics of the times. During this period, jade began to be presented as national gifts to foreign friends, becoming a window to showcase Chinese culture.
Since the reform and opening up, with economic take-off and the improvement of people's living standards, jade culture has entered an unprecedented period of prosperity. The jade market has become increasingly active, and collecting has become popular. People's understanding of jade has also diversified from the traditional "gentleman compares virtue to jade." In addition to traditional Hetian jade and jadeite, local jade varieties such as Xiuyan jade and Dushan jade have also attracted attention. Jade carving art, while inheriting tradition, pays more attention to personalized expression and artistic innovation. Many contemporary jade carving masters integrate modern aesthetic concepts and abstract art elements into their jade carving creations, making jade works more contemporary and artistically appealing. For example, some jade carving works are no longer limited to traditional auspicious patterns but express profound philosophy and humanistic care through freehand and abstract techniques.
However, behind the market prosperity, there are also some challenges, such as over-exploitation of jade resources, proliferation of counterfeit products, and deviations in the understanding of traditional culture. How to balance commercial interests with cultural heritage, and how to uphold the spiritual core of jade culture in innovation, are important issues facing contemporary jade culture practitioners. Encouragingly, in recent years, with the rise of "Guochao" (China chic) and the strengthening of cultural confidence, more and more young people are beginning to pay attention to and love jade culture. They make the ancient jade culture radiate new youthful vitality by wearing jade ornaments, learning about jade, and participating in jade carving experiences. The rise of new media platforms such as live streaming and short videos has also provided a broader stage for the dissemination of jade culture, allowing more people to understand and appreciate jade.
From imperial collections to ordinary households, from imperial exclusivity to popular aesthetics, the century of transformation in modern jade culture is a vivid portrayal of the Chinese nation's continuous self-renewal and self-transcendence in the torrent of history. It is not only the inheritance of material but also the continuation of spirit. Jade, this warm and tough stone, will continue to flow in the bloodline of Chinese culture, telling new stories belonging to our era.