In the tumultuous late Qing Dynasty, within the Forbidden City, a woman left an indelible mark on history with her iron fist and lavish lifestyle. She was Empress Dowager Cixi. Among the many accounts of her, beyond her political acumen, what is more often recounted is her almost obsessive love for jadeite. This affection not only shaped her personal aesthetic but also subtly propelled the flourishing of jadeite culture in the late Qing period.
The story begins in the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty. At that time, the influx of Burmese jadeite gradually replaced the exclusive status of Hetian jade, becoming the new favorite of the imperial court and aristocracy. Empress Dowager Cixi was undoubtedly the most fervent devotee of this “jadeite revolution.” Her fondness for jadeite was not merely limited to wearing it; it permeated every aspect of her life. According to historical records, Cixi's living quarters, from her bed and pillow to her dressing table, and even her daily tableware, tea sets, playthings, and ornaments, were all adorned with jadeite. She even instructed artisans to carve jadeite into various auspicious patterns, such as bats, peaches of immortality, and ruyi scepters, to pray for blessings, longevity, and peace.
Among these, the most famous are undoubtedly the pair of “twisted bangles.” These jadeite bangles, with their rich color, fine texture, and exquisite craftsmanship, are hailed as masterpieces among jadeite bangles. Cixi cherished them dearly, wearing them almost daily. It is said that when the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Beijing and Cixi fled westward in a hurry, she did not forget to carry these precious bangles with her, demonstrating their significance in her heart. This was not just a symbol of wealth but also a part of her spiritual solace, a comfort in seeking a glimmer of peace and beauty amidst chaos.
Cixi's obsession with jadeite also spurred the rapid development of jadeite craftsmanship in the late Qing Dynasty. To satisfy her demands, the Imperial Household Department gathered the nation's top jade carving masters. They spared no human or material resources, solely to carve jadeite treasures that would please the Empress Dowager. For instance, the famous “jadeite watermelon,” with its lifelike form, crystal-clear texture, and ingenious carving techniques, still amazes people today. It not only showcased the pinnacle of jade carving at the time but also reflected Cixi's pursuit of ultimate luxury. These exquisite jadeite artworks have now become national treasures in major museums, narrating the bygone splendor.
However, the story of Cixi and jadeite is not merely a manifestation of luxury and power; it also carries profound cultural significance. In traditional Chinese culture, jade is considered the “essence of heaven and earth,” embodying the virtue of “a gentleman compares his virtue to jade.” The green color of jadeite symbolizes vitality, hope, and longevity, which perfectly aligned with Empress Dowager Cixi's desire for longevity and eternal youth. By integrating jadeite into every detail of her life, she was, in fact, expressing her persistent pursuit of life, power, and a beautiful existence in a unique way. She believed that jadeite could bring good fortune and protect her through difficulties. This belief was an intertwining of her personal emotions and traditional jade culture concepts.
To this day, the story of Empress Dowager Cixi and jadeite remains a fascinating topic for jade culture enthusiasts and collectors. Her collection not only bequeathed valuable material cultural heritage to us but also subtly elevated the status and value of jadeite. From the jadeite treasures in the old Qing palace collection to the dazzling array of jadeite jewelry on the modern market, we can see how Empress Dowager Cixi's deep affection for jadeite in her time influenced and shaped today's jadeite culture. Her story has become an indelible page in the history of jadeite, inspiring future generations to continue exploring and inheriting this unique Oriental aesthetic.