Disk with a poem by the Qianlong emperor
Place of OriginChina
Date1745
DynastyQing dynasty (1644-1911)
MaterialsNephrite
DimensionsH. 1/4 in x Diam. 4 5/16 in, H. .63 cm x Diam. 11 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60J909
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsJade And Stones
On View
On viewLocationGallery 13
More InformationJades for Adornment
There are two types of Chinese jade ornaments: those worn on the body (earrings, necklaces, and bracelets) and those interred with the dead (bi discs, certain types of earrings, and pendants). The qualities associated with jade have been systematized, and the ways of using jade ornaments have been codified. Far beyond mere decoration, jade ornaments also functioned as symbols for distinguishing social classes; as Confucius stated: “Without any special reasons a gentleman should not untie his jade from his body.” The wearing of jade ornaments was among the marks of a true gentleman, supposedly signifying his high morality.
Subject
- poem
1644-1911
1850-1940
771-476 BCE
1850-1940
1300-1050 BCE
1600-1050 BCE
206 BCE-9 CE
475-221 BCE
770-476 BCE
475-221 BCE
1900-1950