In the vast river of Chinese civilization, jade has always held a pivotal position. It is not only a symbol of material wealth but also a carrier of spiritual beliefs and moral ethics. However, looking back at history, we find that jade culture has not been static, especially during the turbulent changes of the past century. It has undergone a profound transformation from "imperial exclusivity" to "popular aesthetics," radiating new vitality.
From the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China, China experienced a period of dramatic social upheaval. The feudal imperial system, which had lasted for more than two millennia, collapsed, and with it, the status of jade as a symbol of imperial power crumbled. Inside the Forbidden City, the imperial jade workshops of yesteryear either disbanded or dispersed among the populace. Those skilled artisans who once meticulously carved for emperors were forced to seek new livelihoods. Among them were renowned figures of "Northern Jade" such as Zhang Decheng of "Jade Zhang" and Liu Derun of "Jade Liu." They brought the exquisite techniques of court jade carving to the folk, laying the foundation for the inheritance of modern jade carving craftsmanship. At that time, although imperial commissions ceased, the societal demand for jade objects did not disappear. Wealthy merchants and literati remained the primary consumers of jade. However, the forms and themes of jade began to change, gradually breaking free from court constraints and becoming more secular and integrated into daily life.
After the founding of New China, jade culture ushered in new development opportunities. The state's emphasis on traditional culture and art led to the revival of the jade carving industry. In the 1950s, jade carving factories were successively established in Beijing, Shanghai, Yangzhou, Suzhou, and other places, organizing scattered folk jade carvers for unified management and production. This not only protected endangered jade carving techniques but also cultivated a large number of outstanding jade carving talents. For example, the "Four Famous Dan" of the Beijing Jade Carving Factory – Pan Bingheng, Wang Shusen, Liu Deying, and He Rong – inherited the essence of court jade carving and combined it with contemporary characteristics, creating many popular masterpieces. Among them, Master Pan Bingheng's "Magnificent Mount Tai" and Master Wang Shusen's "Coral Mountain Sculpture" are still regarded as pinnacles of jade carving art. During this period, jade themes became more extensive, including not only traditional auspicious patterns but also works reflecting socialist construction and national unity. Jade also began to enter ordinary households, becoming a craft embodying the aspiration for a better life.
Since the reform and opening up, China's economy has boomed, and people's living standards have significantly improved, bringing unprecedented prosperity to jade culture. The introduction of a market economy has made jade production and sales more active. On the one hand, a craze for jade collection emerged, with prices of precious jades like Hetian jade and jadeite skyrocketing, becoming an important choice for investment and value preservation. On the other hand, the design concepts of jade became more diversified, with a fusion of traditional and modern, Eastern and Western elements, leading to many innovative jade carving works. For example, contemporary jade carving masters, while inheriting traditional "skillful coloring" and "qiao diao" techniques, incorporated modern aesthetic concepts to create works with greater artistic and ornamental value. At the same time, the wearing of jade has become increasingly popular, from traditional jade pendants and bracelets to fashionable jade jewelry, integrating jade culture into modern life in a more approachable manner. For instance, in international events such as the Olympic Games and the World Expo, jade is often chosen as a national gift or souvenir, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese jade culture to the world.
However, the development of modern jade culture has not been without its challenges. Under the impact of the market economy, some short-sighted behaviors have emerged, such as over-mining, shoddy goods, and counterfeiting, which have negatively affected the healthy development of jade culture. Fortunately, with the improvement of consumer appreciation and the refinement of industry standards, these issues are gradually being resolved.
Today, jade culture is no longer the exclusive domain of a few; with its gentle, understated, and elegant charm, it is deeply rooted in the bloodline of the Chinese nation, becoming an important part of excellent traditional Chinese culture. From the ancient saying "a gentleman compares virtue to jade" to the modern concept of "passing down jade through generations," jade embodies people's aspirations for a better life and their pursuit of noble character. It is not merely a stone but a symbol of the Chinese national spirit, a cultural bridge connecting ancient and modern, and communicating with the world. In future development, we have reason to believe that jade culture will continue to shine with new brilliance through inheritance and innovation, writing a more glorious chapter.