Title: A New Perspective on Hetian Jade Collection: The Value Transformation from "Collecting" to "Appreciating"

Dear jade enthusiasts, I am Li Yuhua. Having been involved in the Hetian jade industry for over three decades, I have witnessed this precious stone's magnificent transformation from humble mountain rough to a national treasure. Today, Hetian jade collection is no longer merely about accumulating wealth; it's a profound exploration of cultural heritage, aesthetic enhancement, and even spiritual enrichment. Today, I'd like to share some of my new insights into the current Hetian jade collecting landscape, hoping to offer some inspiration for your collecting journey.

I. Bidding Farewell to the "White-Only Theory" and Embracing "Diverse Beauty": A New Era for Hetian Jade Aesthetics

There was a time when "whiteness covers a hundred flaws" was the golden rule in Hetian jade collecting circles. The rarity and high value of "mutton fat" jade attracted countless collectors. However, with the increasing depletion of resources and the maturation of market understanding, we must face a reality: pure mutton fat jade is now exceedingly rare and prohibitively expensive, making it unattainable for many collectors.

My view is: it's time to bid farewell to the "white-only theory." The charm of Hetian jade extends far beyond just whiteness. The calm and understated elegance of celadon jade, the vibrant green of spinach jade, the deep mystery of black jade, the warm sweetness of sugar jade, and the rare nobility of yellow jade all showcase the diverse beauty of Hetian jade.

For example, a few years ago, I met a young collector who was fixated on finding a "perfect" mutton fat white jade pebble. I suggested he might consider some high-quality celadon jade pebbles. Initially, he was dismissive, believing celadon jade to be of low value. Later, I took him to visit the collection of a seasoned collector, which included many old celadon jade pieces with fine texture, excellent oiliness, and exquisite carving. When he personally touched those warm, lustrous celadon jades, he truly realized that celadon jade could also be so captivating. Today, he has become a loyal devotee of celadon jade and has collected several exquisite celadon jade carvings, which possess considerable artistic and market potential.

Therefore, I suggest that when collecting Hetian jade, you broaden your horizons and learn more about the characteristics and beauty of different types of jade. A piece of celadon jade or spinach jade with superior quality, high oiliness, and exquisite carving can possess collecting and artistic value no less than a white jade of ordinary quality.

II. From "Emphasizing Material Over Craftsmanship" to "Material and Craftsmanship in Equal Measure": The Return of Carving Art's Value

In the past, many collectors regarded Hetian jade as the "essence of stone," overemphasizing the value of the jade material itself, while neglecting the importance of carving craftsmanship. Some even believed that "no carving is better than carving." This notion, to some extent, hindered the development of Hetian jade art.

However, with the rise of contemporary jade carving masters and the improvement of aesthetic standards, we are pleased to see that the concept of "material and craftsmanship in equal measure" is gradually gaining widespread acceptance. A good piece of jade material, if it meets a skilled and ingeniously conceived jade carver, can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary, perfectly combining the natural beauty of the jade with human artistry, thereby multiplying its value.

I once witnessed an ordinary piece of Hetian jade mountain material, transformed by the skillful hands of a master carver. Utilizing its natural skin color and fissures, it was ingeniously designed into a landscape painting, with profound artistic conception, which was breathtaking. This piece not only showcased the natural beauty of the jade material but also incorporated the carver's ingenuity and artistic talent. Its ultimate market value far exceeded the value of the jade material itself.

Therefore, when collecting Hetian jade, we should not only pay attention to factors such as the origin, quality, and skin color of the jade material but also emphasize the carving craftsmanship. For a good jade carving, the fineness of the carving, the ingenuity of the design, the symbolic meaning of the theme, and the overall artistic appeal are all important criteria for measuring its value. Collecting an exquisite piece carved by a renowned artist not only allows one to appreciate the natural beauty of the jade but also to savor the profound depth of jade carving art.

III. Bidding Farewell to "Blind Following" and Returning to "Independent Thinking": The Mature Transformation of the Collector's Mindset

In the field of Hetian jade collection, blind following and echoing others are not uncommon. Some collectors lack independent thinking and appreciation skills, easily swayed by market speculation or "expert" opinions, leading to deviations in their collecting direction and even financial losses.

I have always emphasized that Hetian jade collection is a practice that requires patience, wisdom, and independent thinking. We should not blindly pursue popular varieties or high-priced collectibles but should formulate reasonable collecting strategies based on our financial capabilities, aesthetic preferences, and collecting goals.

I suggest that before collecting, you learn the basic knowledge of Hetian jade, including its origin, type, quality, skin color, and carving craftsmanship. Visit museums and exhibitions frequently to learn and improve your appreciation skills. Communicate more with experienced collectors and listen to their experiences and advice. However, the final decision must be based on your own judgment and thinking.

For example, some collectors blindly pursue "old jade," believing that old jade is always more valuable than new jade. In reality, the market is flooded with a large number of artificially aged fake old jades. If one lacks professional identification skills, it is easy to be deceived. However, some works by contemporary jade carving masters, although new jade, have very high artistic value and collecting potential.

Therefore, maintaining a clear mind, thinking independently, and not being disturbed by market noise are qualities that every Hetian jade collector should possess.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

Hetian jade collection is an endless exploration. From "collecting" to "appreciating," what we pursue is not only the value of the jade itself but also the cultural heritage, artistic charm, and spiritual sustenance it embodies.

My recommendations are:

• Broaden your horizons and embrace diverse beauty: Don't limit yourself to white jade; pay more attention to the unique charm of different jade types such as celadon jade, spinach jade, black jade, and sugar jade.

• Emphasize both material and craftsmanship, focusing on artistic value: While paying attention to the jade material, also prioritize carving craftsmanship, collect exquisite pieces by renowned artists, and enhance the artistic value of your collection.

• Think independently and collect rationally: Learn professional knowledge, improve your appreciation skills, do not blindly follow trends, and formulate collecting strategies based on your own circumstances.

• Nourish virtue with jade and make friends through jade: Hetian jade is not only a symbol of wealth but also a medium for self-cultivation. Through collecting Hetian jade, you can make like-minded friends and jointly savor the profound depth of jade culture.

Li Yuhua

October 27, 2023