Boulder with Mountain Scenes: Two Deer on a Path, the other side shows the God of Longevity with an Assistant, Qing dynasty (1644 – 1911), late 18th – early 19th century, nephrite, gift of Maria and John Dirlam, 1997.137

March 4, 2006 – March 4, 2007

Tough and alluring, jade (both nephrite and jadeite) has fascinated Chinese artisans and connoisseurs for thousands of years, becoming inextricably connected with Chinese culture. Perceived as a stone of supernatural and spiritual powers, jade became associated with rituals, magic and immortality. Its hardness, luster, sharp yet smooth edges, rich colors and translucency were likened to Confucian virtues, such as, intellectual acuteness, purity, fair-mindedness, loyalty and honesty. Taoists called their supreme being “The Jade Emperor” and believed that in paradise palaces were made of jade.

About ninety-five objects of varied functions and symbolism are included in the exhibition. From Neolithic times onward, jade boulders harvested from riverbeds in mountainous regions were laboriously sawed, ground, drilled and polished. Artisans created ceremonial objects, magical pendants to preserve the dead and protect the living, sculptures of mythological beasts and elegant scholar-desk items. During the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), especially the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-95), imperial patronage, and the commissions of wealthy officials and merchants, spurred the creation of luxurious vessels and sculptures of human figures, flowers and animals. As is shown in the exhibition, jade artisans also produced exquisite works in other materials: amber, agate, amethyst, carnelian, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, quartz and turquoise. Skilled contemporary jade-carvers continue to create spectacular works, often using modern power tools.

The jade collection at the Worcester Art Museum has mainly been formed through the generosity of two local couples, Harry W. Goddard (1863-1927) and his wife Grace (1866-1935), and Maria and John Dirlam. The Dirlams have also loaned works from their private collection to the exhibition. The exhibition is further enhanced by rare ancient jades on loan from the collections of Drs. Ann and Robert Walzer and the Rubin – Ladd Foundation, Ester R. Portnow Collection of Asian Art.

Last Updated: February 3, 2006