Jade culture is an integral part of traditional Chinese culture. Believed to embody the essence of nature, jade's intrinsic elegance, soft smoothness, durability, and purity resonate with the spiritual pursuits of Chinese people. In China, the crafting of jade artifacts enjoys a rich history and is characterized by diverse and unique artworks. The materials, designs, patterns, and uses of jade artifacts encapsulate corresponding philosophies, cultural elements, and ritual and hierarchical systems, forming China's distinctive jade culture.
Jade has witnessed the formation and evolution of Chinese civilization and carries China's inherent spirit and values. In the early Neolithic Age, jade artifacts, especially decorative items and ritual implements, reflected the aesthetic sensibilities and religious devotion of the ancestors of the Chinese people. They then increasingly symbolized wealth and power from the late Neolithic to the Xia and Shang dynasties (c. 21st–11th century BCE) and came to embody both ritual and morality under the patriarchal clan system of the Zhou dynasty (c. 11th century–221 BCE). Social changes during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BCE–220 CE) introduced further variations in the ceremonial use of jade. From the Sui (581–618 CE) to the Qing (1644–1911), jade gradually shed its sacred and ritual associations and was transformed into a worldly treasure, imbued with the hope of averting misfortune and attracting good fortune.
Jade artifacts make up a significant portion of the National Museum of China's collection, with nearly 90,000 pieces of ancient jade. The collection is comprehensive, spanning various types and ages, and is of exceptional quality. It includes artifacts from various Neolithic cultures in China and representative pieces from different dynasties, with rare and precious pieces from the Tang (618–907 CE), Song (960–1279), Liao (916–1125), and Jin (1115–1234) dynasties.
Drawing from the museum's rich collection, this exhibition showcases 480 pieces/sets of selected jade masterpieces dating from remote antiquity to the late Qing dynasty. Divided into five sections, the exhibition explores the historical origins of Chinese jade culture and traces the evolution of jade artifacts. From ornaments to sacred ritual objects and back to worldly use, the exhibition charts their transition from the exclusive enjoyment of emperors and nobles to widespread use by the common people. It also highlights the craftsmanship and aesthetic appreciation involved in jade production. The exhibition aims to interpret the culture, spirit, aesthetics, and customs embodied in ancient jade artifacts in China and reflect the profound cultural traditions and outstanding artistic achievements of Chinese civilization.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that "Chinese culture has a long and continuous history, and Chinese civilization is extensive and profound. A profound understanding of the history of Chinese civilization is essential to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture in a more effective manner, pushing ahead with the building of a cultural sector with Chinese characteristics more strongly, and developing a modern Chinese civilization." The National Museum of China, as a top institution of history, culture, and art, places great importance on collecting, researching, exhibiting, and interpreting artifacts that represent China's outstanding culture. It is sincerely hoped that through this exhibition, visitors can explore in depth the rich cultural heritage, diverse characteristics, distinctive historical features, enduring innovative spirit, and timeless artistic appeal of Chinese jade culture.