Starting with an Old Jade Plaque: My Jade Collection and Maintenance Philosophy

Hello fellow collectors! I'm Old Wang, and I've been involved with jade for decades. From my initial clueless entry to now having some insights, it's been a journey of joys and sorrows. Today, I want to share with you my philosophy on jade collection and maintenance, hoping to inspire you.

Scene Introduction: That Old Jade Plaque That Haunts My Dreams

I remember it was more than twenty years ago when I accidentally discovered an old Hetian jade plaque with a rich patina and natural color permeation in a remote mountain village old house. At that time, it lay quietly in a dilapidated wooden box, intricately carved with auspicious beast patterns. Although somewhat damaged, its ancient and elegant charm instantly captivated me. I clearly remember that I almost spent all my savings for this jade plaque. My family didn't understand, thinking I was crazy. But when I brought the jade plaque home, after careful cleaning and playing, it gradually glowed with a warm luster, as if telling me stories of a thousand years. From then on, I became completely fascinated by jade and determined to thoroughly study this subject.

Core Techniques: The 'Three Looks' of Collection and the 'Three Taboos' of Maintenance

The 'Three Looks' of Collection:

• Look at the Material: This is the foundation of jade collection. Good jade doesn't need carving, and good material is hard to find. I personally prefer Hetian jade, especially籽料 (seed material). The skin color, pores, and oiliness of籽料 are important indicators of its quality. A good籽料, even without carving, can be irresistible. I once traveled all over the Xinjiang jade market and even ventured deep into the banks of the Yurungkash River to find a high-quality籽料. That dedication, looking back now, still seems incredible. Besides Hetian jade, emerald, Nanhong agate, turquoise, etc., each has its own beauty, but no matter what kind of jade, it's important to pay attention to its natural texture, color, and structure. Avoid purchasing jade that has been treated with B-goods or C-goods; these are cheap but have no collection value.


• Look at the Craftsmanship: "Jade without carving is not a vessel." Carving is the soul of jade. Good carving can imbue jade with life and enhance its artistic value. Whether it's the intricate carving of traditional themes or the simple elegance of modern design, it should reflect the craftsman's ingenuity and superb skill. I once collected a Qing Dynasty white jade ornament carved with the theme of "Good Fortune and Longevity." The facial expressions of the figures were vivid, the drapery was flowing, and even details as small as fingernails were meticulously handled. Every time I play with it, I am amazed. Conversely, crude carving only wastes good material.


• Look at the Aura (Rhyme): This is the most abstract and crucial point. A good piece of jade, in addition to good material and exquisite craftsmanship, must have a unique "aura" or "field." This aura may come from its long historical heritage, its unique cultural connotations, or its distinctive artistic style. It allows you to recognize it at a glance among many collections and be captivated by it. My old jade plaque, because of its ancient charm weathered by time, still holds a special place in my heart.

• Avoid Bumps: Although jade is hard, it is brittle and most afraid of bumps. My collections, whether hand-held pieces or ornaments, are individually placed in brocade boxes lined with soft cloth to prevent mutual friction. Once, I accidentally dropped a small jade pendant on the ground. Although it didn't break, I was heartbroken for a long time and have been more careful ever since.


• Avoid Oil Stains: The surface of jade easily absorbs oil stains, affecting its warm luster. When playing with it daily, keep your hands clean. If oil stains are present, wipe them gently with clean water and a soft cloth immediately. Avoid using chemical cleaners. I usually rinse with purified water, then gently wipe dry with a soft cashmere cloth, and then clean the crevices with cotton swabs.


• Avoid High Temperature Exposure: High temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the internal structure of jade, even leading to dehydration and cracking. Therefore, jade should not be placed in direct sunlight for long periods, nor should it come into contact with excessively hot objects. My jade collections are stored in a dark, ventilated, constant temperature and humidity display cabinet.

Playing: "People nourish jade, and jade nourishes people." Playing with jade is an important part of its maintenance. Proper playing can form a patina on the surface of the jade, making it warmer and more lustrous. When playing, use clean hands to gently rub the surface of the jade, feeling its delicate texture. Avoid being impatient, scratching with fingernails, or rubbing with hard objects.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the luster of jade. For daily worn jade pieces, rinse with clean water and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. For jade pieces with carved crevices, gently brush with a soft brush to remove dust and dirt. If stubborn stains appear on the surface of the jade, you can try gently wiping with diluted baby oil or olive oil, but be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.

Experience Summary: Collection is a Practice

Jade collection is not just about material possession; it's a spiritual practice. It teaches me patience, meticulousness, appreciation, and heritage. Every piece of jade carries the imprint of history and the precipitation of culture. They are silent storytellers, recounting tales of a thousand years. I hope my experiences can help you avoid detours on your jade collection journey and find your own "jade destiny." Remember, the highest realm of collection is to collect a state of mind, a culture, and a heritage.