For decades, as an ancient jade collector, I have always felt the accumulation of history and the pulse of culture when caressing those warm, old artifacts. However, when we shift our gaze from the distant past to the modern and contemporary era, we find that jade culture has not remained stagnant. Instead, it has undergone a profound transformation amidst the currents of time, evolving from a mysterious symbol exclusive to emperors to a part of ordinary people's lives, radiating new vitality.
The late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China marked a crucial turning point for jade culture. The collapse of the feudal dynasty led to the disintegration of the imperial jade workshop system that had lasted for thousands of years. Those highly skilled jade artisans who once served the emperors either dispersed into the private sector or joined private workshops. While this undoubtedly brought pain to jade craftsmanship, it also broke the imperial monopoly on jade materials and techniques, laying the groundwork for the popularization and commercialization of jade culture. For instance, after the dissolution of the Imperial Household Department, many jade carvers from Suzhou and Yangzhou returned to their hometowns, bringing their exquisite imperial techniques to the common people, which led to an unprecedented development of local jade carving industries. Numerous private jade shops emerged in cities like Shanghai and Beijing, such as the famous "Lao Feng Xiang" and "Bao Hua Hao," which began to offer jade articles to a broader social stratum.
Entering the 20th century, especially during the Anti-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, society was in turmoil, and the jade market experienced a period of depression. However, jade, as an important wealth carrier and cultural symbol, did not completely disappear. Many wealthy merchants and magnates used jade as a means of preserving and increasing value, even cherishing family heirlooms amidst displacement. During this period, the style of jade craftsmanship also quietly changed, with some innovations incorporating Western aesthetic elements, such as setting jade in gold and silver jewelry, or carving more modern patterns to adapt to new market demands. Modern women in Shanghai began to wear jade bracelets and necklaces, which to some extent foreshadowed the transformation of jade from traditional ritual objects to fashionable accessories.
After the founding of New China, jade culture embraced new development opportunities. The nation's emphasis on handicrafts led to the recovery and development of the jade carving industry. Jade carving factories were established across the country, such as the Beijing Jade Factory and the Shanghai Jade Carving Factory, gathering a large number of excellent jade carvers. During this period, jade craftsmanship became richer in themes, including traditional flora and fauna, figures, and stories, as well as works reflecting socialist construction and national unity. For example, the Beijing Jade Factory once produced a large jade carving, "Wanshou Mountain," for the Great Hall of the People, demonstrating the grandeur of New China's jade carving. At the same time, jade also began to be exported as an important commodity, entering the international market and showcasing the charm of Chinese jade culture to the world. However, under the planned economy system, the commercial attributes of jade production were weakened, with more emphasis on its artistic value and national image, resulting in a low degree of marketization.
After the reform and opening up, China's economy took off, and people's living standards significantly improved, leading to an unprecedented prosperity in jade culture. Jade was no longer exclusive to a few but became a mass consumer and investment product. The prices of high-quality jade materials like jadeite and Hetian jade soared, and the market became exceptionally active. The jade market also became more diversified, with both traditionally exquisitely carved ornaments and fashionable, minimalist accessories; both high-end collectible treasures and popular items suitable for daily wear. The rise of the internet provided new platforms for the dissemination and transaction of jade culture. Emerging models such as live streaming sales and online auctions allowed more people to access jade and understand jade culture.
However, prosperity also brought challenges. Problems such as counterfeiting, shoddy goods, and excessive speculation emerged endlessly in the market, impacting the healthy development of jade culture. How to distinguish authenticity and consume rationally has become a topic that modern jade culture enthusiasts must face. At the same time, while pursuing economic benefits, how to inherit and innovate jade carving techniques and avoid homogenization is also an important task for contemporary jade carvers.
In my opinion, the century-long transformation of modern and contemporary jade culture is a history of evolution from "aristocratic" to "popular," and from "imperial monopoly" to "market dominance." It is no longer merely a symbol of power but also an embodiment of a better life and an expression of national aesthetic taste. From the jadeite bracelets of socialites in Shanghai during the Republic of China to the Hetian jade bracelets on the wrists of ordinary people today, jade carries the Chinese people's pursuit of beauty, longing for auspiciousness, and respect for tradition. Looking ahead, I believe that as long as we uphold craftsmanship and promote integrity, modern and contemporary jade culture will undoubtedly shine even brighter in its inheritance and innovation.