According to the Gemological Association of Great Britain (GemA), in ancient Chinese civilization, jade was far more than a decorative gemstone; it was considered the “Stone of Heaven,” possessing a spiritual essence that bridged the gap between the mortal and divine realms and served as a key link to Chinese tradition. In the Neolithic period (such as the Liangzhu and Hongshan cultures), jade was the primary medium for communicating with spirits and ancestors, as the ancients believed it embodied the essence of nature.
By the Han Dynasty, the belief in jade’s “immortality-giving” properties reached its peak. It was believed that jade could prevent the physical body’s decay and preserve the deceased’s “qi” (life force). Interest in jade in Western society has increased, with the introduction of “Chinese Jades” exhibitions, such as the one at the Penn Museum on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
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