How Amazing is Chinese Jade Carving? Discover These Four National Treasures
Today, let’s explore China’s “Four Great Jade Masterpieces”:
- Mount Tai in Miniature (岱嶽奇觀)
- Gathering Fragrance (含香聚瑞)
- Basket of Flowers (群芳攬勝)
- Joy Across the Seas (四海騰歡)
These four jade artworks are “siblings” carved from the same massive piece of raw jade. They are also the only national treasures born from a state-sponsored jade carving project in modern Chinese history—truly the pinnacle of jade craftsmanship.
Why is Chinese Jade Carving So Special?
The Chinese have cherished jade for thousands of years, with a carving tradition dating back 7,000 years. While many countries produce jade, China’s jade art stands out globally, thanks to its unique carving techniques. From raw stone to finished masterpiece, skilled craftsmanship breathes life into jade. In 2006, jade carving was officially recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
These four masterpieces represent the highest level of Chinese jade artistry. Created under a national project, they earned immediate acclaim upon completion.
How Did Master Carvers Make Each Treasure Unique?
The raw materials were four irregularly shaped jade pieces, later confirmed to have come from a single massive boulder. The smallest weighed 77 kg, while the largest was 368 kg. Jade carving is highly material-dependent, and the artists had to maximize each piece’s strengths while compensating for its flaws.
In 1982, China’s State Council approved their transformation into “new national treasures.” Over 40 master carvers collaborated on the project, which took eight years from design to completion. Here’s how they made each piece shine:
1. Mount Tai in Miniature (岱嶽奇觀) – A Jade Mountain
The largest piece (368 kg) was shaped like a triangular pyramid. The artists carved it into a miniature Mount Tai, China’s most sacred mountain. Using techniques like openwork, round carving, and relief, they recreated landmarks like the Eighteen Bends and Heavenly Street. A reddish-brown patch on the back was cleverly carved into a rising sun—a brilliant touch.
2. Gathering Fragrance (含香聚瑞) – A Perfume Vessel
This spherical incense burner showcases the extremely difficult “hollowing-out” technique. The lid was carved from the main body, and the leftover material became the base. The base features carvings of the Four Celestial Creatures (dragon, tiger, phoenix, and tortoise), while nine dragons adorn the handles and lid. The intricate floral patterns make it the “most beautiful incense burner.”
3. Basket of Flowers (群芳攬勝) – A Blooming Masterpiece
The smallest and least impressive raw piece (87.6 kg) was transformed into a stunning flower basket. To overcome its limitations, the artists hollowed it out and used the extracted material to carve peonies, chrysanthemums, and other flowers. A movable chain handle doubled its height, making it the largest jade flower artwork in Chinese history—a true “small material, grand creation.”
4. Joy Across the Seas (四海騰歡) – A Majestic Screen
This rectangular jade piece was split into four thin slices and reassembled into a large screen (74 cm tall, 146 cm wide). Nine emerald-green dragons soar through clouds, symbolizing prosperity and harmony. The flawless assembly highlights the jade’s natural beauty.
These masterpieces showcase the brilliance of Chinese jade carving—where artistry meets nature’s gifts. For more cultural insights, visit VirtuCasa.
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