Brief History of Asian Jade

Jade has endured many centuries in Asia. Archaeological data points to the use of jade even 8000 years ago. At that time it was carved for ornamental adornment and also shaped and employed for use as weaponry.
In the late Neolithic period, 4000 to 7000 years ago, religious and military rulers created jade worship objects. The round pi disk and square shaped ts'ung tube shapes in jade were created to represent heaven (thought to be round) and earth (presumed to be square). Supernatural beings were etched on jade objects. Considering the unique makeup of the stone, many people sought to command mystical forces from its energy to try and communicate with the spiritual world and to acquire divine wisdom.
In ancient times, the perceived level of association with the supernatural determined an individual's status. The jade stones, in various symbolic shapes and carved pious designs, represented a ruler's power and status.
During the Eastern Chou Dynasty, Confucian scholars compared the virtuous "man" directly to jade. Pendants were popular and exquisitely decorated to a degree of unsurpassed perfection. In the prominent Han Dynasty, the imperial family was very fond of jade. The living royalty wore pendants and strived to derive power from jade. Deceased family members were embalmed with jade prior to burial in tombs depicting the image of the pi disk. The belief that the pi disk assisted the spirit in reaching the afterlife grew in significance at this time.
There was a decline in interest in jade during the Six Dynasties through the T'ang Dynasty. But then in Sung and Ming Dynasties jade artistry saw a revival, due to the emperor's influence but also, there were a myriad of scholars whose influence prevailed during this era. Literati took interest in the history of jade and imparted symbols based on personal taste. These included flowers, birds, landscapes, etc. The Ch'ing imperial court used the dragon motif quite often, which was the emperor's emblem and highly auspicious. Some of the more intricate nature scenes of this era were set on sandalwood stands and encased in glass or embroidered boxes, emulating the magnificence of the court.
Today, jade is admired and placed at a high level of importance, still perceived by many to possess special powers to help people gain and preserve good health, prosperity and a long life.

SOURCE: The National Palace Museum