Jade


 * Jade**

I. The Origins of Jade Art and Artifacts

 * Certain Jade artifacts have been dated back to the Neolithic age from 4000 B.C.E.
 * The art was greatly refined during the Shang Dynasty.
 * Originally used to represent spiritual beliefs or to portray other such things.



II. What the Jade was Used For

 * Jade was originally used to depict spiritual and cultural beliefs.
 * Spiritual figures, such as the great bird, were also recreated using Jade.
 * Kings used Jade weapons in certain rituals and ceremonies to display their authority.
 * During later dynasties, Jade started to become more of a symbol of wealth and power.
 * Many used Jade simply for decoration and ornamentation.



III. The Six Ritual Jades
>  
 * There were six official Jades that were reserved for ceremonies/rituals.
 * 1) Bi-Disk = Heaven
 * 2) Cong = Earth
 * 3) Gui = East
 * 4) Zhang = South
 * 5) Tiger = West
 * 6) Huang = North

IV. Jade Tied in with Daoism and Confucianism

 * Confucius is known to have said, " A gentleman always carried a Jade pendant".
 * According to the Chinese, Jade has five virtues:These five virtues connect with the Confucian values of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness.
 * 1) Benevolence
 * 2) Integrity
 * 3) Intelligence
 * 4) Bravery
 * 5) Trustworthiness
 * Many Jade works had a subject of nature, which coincides with the Daoist's focus on nature.
 * The idea of complimentary forces was also portrayed in Jade works. This reflects the Daoist's Yin and Yang.