CHINESE JADE.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19639, 27 July 1935, Page 17 (Supplement)

CHINESE JADE.

WONDER SHOW IN LONDON. BOWLS FOR “SONS OF HEAVEN.” The word “jade” is virtually inseparable from the adjective “ Chinese.” Not content with the .bS gained through art by means of sight and hearing, the mandarins added, pleasures of /touch. The subtle smoothness and coolness of jade appealed particularly to the high dignitaries of the Son'of Heaven. Their long-nailed Angers lovingly caressed polished hardstones which the patience of carvers had transformed Into. oups, bowls, and figurines. The finest carvings went to the Imperial Court. Some have travelled half-way round the world, and a collection of the highest merit is on view; in London. ■ . .

Pride of Place.

Pride of place has been given to • bulbous bowl and cover of the finest, emerald green colour and of great purity of -shape. It was made in the 18th. century for -the Summer Palace and Is boldly 'described as the finest piece of jade in Europe. Not far behind in 'beauty come an: apple-green brush pot on which boating and fgrest scenes are depicted, and a unique pair of vases supported by dogs of Fo. The vases were given by an emperor to a -British admiral. Not only did the Chinese mandarins treasure these carvings; they could make them. An inscription on a mottled-green circular screen relates that it was carved by the Prime Minister to the order of the- Emperor. Would Mr MacDonald fancy an equivalent task?

Instinct With Life.

Crystal, lapis-lazuli, ooral left thfli hands of exceedingly deft craftsmen in the form of plants, animals, and people, not realistic but nevertheless instinct ’ with life. The. natural shape of the material Is neatly used. Some o' our very, very modem sculptors, who give -us figures remarkably like freak potatoes because, they say, the shape of the stone they chisel must be respected, would do well to study a coral Kwan Yin.

She retains the root form of the coral but is charming. She reminds one of the French 14tli. century Ivory Virgins that bend so gracefully in accordance with the curve of elephant tusks.

Some of the hardstone characters behave very humanly. LI Tai Po, the drunken poet, reels on the surface of a cinnabar pebble. An appealing rogue, that Li Tai Po. When dying, he asked to be buried near a kiln. “ Our body returns to dust," he explained. “It would gladden my heart if perchance I were ever made into a wine vessel.”