In the turbulent late Qing Dynasty, within the Forbidden City, there was an enduring splash of emerald green—Empress Dowager Cixi's almost obsessive love for jadeite. Her story is not merely about the luxurious life of a powerful woman, but also a vivid portrayal of Chinese jade culture reaching its zenith during a specific historical period.
I. The Intertwining of Power and Jadeite: Cixi's Jadeite Affinity
In 1835, as large-scale mining and transportation techniques for Burmese jadeite matured, this crystal-clear, brightly colored “hard jade” began to flood into China. At that time, although the Qing Dynasty's national strength was already showing signs of decline, the imperial family's pursuit of treasures never ceased. Empress Dowager Cixi, the woman who held sway over the late Qing, loved jadeite to an unparalleled degree. She believed that jadeite was not only a symbol of wealth and status but also embodied wishes for longevity and good fortune. According to the "Qing Palace Archives," Cixi's daily items, from hairpins and bracelets to court beads and nail guards, and even the “jadeite watermelon” placed in her mouth after her death, all sparkled with the brilliance of jadeite. She even regarded jadeite as the “national stone,” elevating its status above traditional Hetian jade, making jadeite the mainstream in the jade market during the late Qing and early Republic periods.
Most notably, there was the pair of “twisted bangles.” These bangles were entirely emerald green, with uniform color and exquisite craftsmanship. It is said that Cixi wore them on important occasions, regarding them as a symbol of power. There was also the famous “phoenix crown,” inlaid with countless large jadeite beads and carvings, shimmering in the sunlight, showcasing imperial grandeur. These were not merely jewels; they were the materialization of Cixi's will to power, her yearning for eternity and immortality.
II. The Cultural Connotation of Jadeite: From “The Beauty of Stones” to “The King of Jades”
In traditional Chinese culture, jade has always been regarded as “the beauty of stones,” carrying profound meanings such as the virtues of a gentleman and good fortune. However, before the Qing Dynasty, locally produced Hetian jade was dominant. The rise of jadeite benefited from its unique physical properties and aesthetic value. Jadeite has high hardness, strong toughness, and rich colors, especially the imperial green, which is mesmerizing. Its appearance greatly enriched the connotation of Chinese jade culture and gradually replaced the dominant position of Hetian jade, earning it the title of “the king of jades.”
Cixi's fondness for jadeite undoubtedly accelerated this process. Her patronage led jadeite from the court to the common people, becoming a fashion pursued by the upper class. At that time, a saying even circulated in the capital: “An inch of jade in the home is worth ten thousand gold,” referring to jadeite. The art of jadeite carving also developed unprecedentedly, giving rise to many skilled jade carvers who integrated traditional Chinese auspicious patterns and mythological legends into jadeite carvings, making every jadeite piece an artwork carrying cultural information.
III. The Fall of a Legend and the Legacy of Jadeite
In 1908, Empress Dowager Cixi passed away, and most of the countless jadeite treasures she cherished during her lifetime were buried with her in the Eastern Tombs. However, in 1928, the warlord Sun Dianying plundered the Eastern Tombs, causing these rare treasures to scatter among the populace. Some were lost overseas, while others were collected in museums or by private individuals. The most famous among them was the “jadeite watermelon” stolen by Sun Dianying, rumored to be priceless and whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day, adding a touch of mystery to Cixi's jadeite legend.
Although Cixi's era is long gone, her obsession with jadeite has left a valuable cultural legacy for future generations. Today, jadeite remains one of the most precious jades in the hearts of Chinese people. It is not only a symbol of wealth but also an embodiment of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste and cultural heritage. From the court to the common people, from ancient times to the present, jadeite, with its unique charm, tells stories of beauty, wealth, power, and legacy. Every piece of warm jadeite seems to condense historical memories, emitting an eternal glow, reminding us of that glorious and legendary era.
Jadeite is not just a mineral; it is a brilliant pearl in the long river of Chinese culture. Under the impetus of Empress Dowager Cixi, it blossomed with the most dazzling light and continues to illuminate modern people's aesthetics and collection paths.