“Jade in the mountain moistens the trees, jade hidden in stone illuminates the mountain.” Since ancient times, jade wares have been a brilliant chapter in Chinese civilization. When discussing the flourishing and transformation of jade culture, the Tang and Song dynasties undoubtedly represent a crucial juncture, connecting the past and ushering in the future. At that time, the majestic grandeur of the prosperous Tang Dynasty and the refined sentiments of Song literati collectively shaped the unique style of jade art, leaving behind countless breathtaking masterpieces.
The Tang Dynasty was an era of openness, inclusiveness, and tribute from all nations. The prosperity of the Silk Road not only brought exotic treasures but also integrated cultural and artistic elements from Central and West Asia into the Central Plains. Tang dynasty jade wares, amidst this wave of cultural fusion, displayed unprecedented vitality. Their forms broke free from the rigid and solemn constraints of the Han Dynasty, becoming more lively, dynamic, and full of movement. The famous “Tang Dynasty Jade Belt Plaque with Dancing Horse Holding a Cup” is the best example. This set of jade belt plaques, unearthed from the Hejiacun hoard in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, depicts the vivid moment of a spirited horse holding a wine cup in its mouth and dancing with its head held high, using exquisite relief carving techniques. The horse's muscle lines are smooth and powerful, full of dynamism, as if one can hear the neighs accompanied by foreign music. This exotic “Hu-style” theme, echoing popular activities like polo and Hu-style whirling dances, reflects the Tang people's open-mindedness, enterprising spirit, and inclusive embrace of diverse cultures. Furthermore, themes such as flowers, birds, and auspicious beasts also appeared in large numbers, with intricate carving and fluid lines, such as the “Jade Flying Apsara” and “Jade Kalavinka,” all demonstrating the majestic grandeur and romanticism of the prosperous Tang era. The selection of jade materials also became more extensive; while Hetian jade remained dominant, high-quality jade from other origins was also incorporated, making the jade wares more colorful.
However, with the wars and social unrest of the late Tang and Five Dynasties periods, jade craftsmanship temporarily declined. It was not until the Song Dynasty, with its economic prosperity and the rise of the literati class, that jade art once again radiated new splendor. Compared to the majestic and grand style of the Tang Dynasty, Song dynasty jade wares appeared more restrained and subtle, pursuing an aesthetic ideal of “elegance, simplicity, and antiquity.” This was closely related to the Neo-Confucian philosophy, literati painting style, and the scholarly pursuit of ancient artifacts and epigraphy prevalent in the Song Dynasty. Song people admired antiquity, and the imitation of bronze wares and ancient jades became a prevalent trend. For instance, the famous “Song Dynasty Imitation Ancient Jade Bi” often traced its forms and patterns back to the Shang, Zhou, and Han dynasties, but also incorporated the unique aesthetic taste of the Song people, with softer lines and more refined carving. At the same time, Song dynasty jade wares also featured many themes rich in daily life, such as children, flowers, birds, and fruits, embodying people's aspirations for a better life. The famous “Jade Boy Holding a Lotus” is a typical example, depicting a chubby, endearing child holding a lotus, symbolizing continuous progeny and full of earthly charm. Furthermore, the materials used in Song dynasty jade wares were more meticulously chosen, with extremely high demands for the jade's warmth and luster, pursuing the unity of “jade virtue” and “human virtue,” emphasizing the harmony between the natural beauty of jade and its carved beauty.
Tang and Song dynasty jade wares are not only exquisite works of art but also cultural symbols carrying the spirit of their times. Tang dynasty jade wares, with their open, inclusive, and majestic style, showcased the Chinese nation's confidence and brilliance on the world stage. Song dynasty jade wares, on the other hand, with their restrained, elegant, and antique characteristics, reflected the profound introspection of Chinese culture in aesthetics and the pursuit of spiritual realms. From the exotic charm of “dancing horses holding cups” to the everyday warmth of “boys holding lotuses,” from the romantic imagination of “jade flying apsaras” to the literati elegance of “imitation ancient jade bi,” Tang and Song dynasty jade wares, with their rich themes, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound cultural connotations, collectively penned a glorious chapter in the history of Chinese jade culture.
Today, as we gaze upon these jade wares spanning millennia, we can still feel the unique charm they exude. They are not only witnesses to history but also inheritors of the Chinese nation's aesthetic taste and cultural spirit. In the creation of modern jade art, the open spirit and restrained elegance embodied in Tang and Song dynasty jade wares remain an inexhaustible source of inspiration. We draw nourishment from them, combining tradition with modernity, allowing the ancient jade culture to radiate even more brilliantly in the new era, continuing to tell the enduring story of the Chinese nation and jade.