Chinese Jade - From the Neolithic to the Qing

This catalogue features 300 outstanding pieces from Joseph Hotung's collection of Chinese jades and provides a comprehensive survey of 6000 years of development. The jades are arranged by type, shape and function (ritual and ceremonial) and form a significant reference for scholars and collectors, comparing them with the collections of the British Museum. Recent discoveries in China from hitherto little-known Neolithic cultures of around 3000 BC have highlighted the extraordinary skills of the craftsmen and the complexity of the cultures that supported them. Other remarkable finds include the precursors of the famous jade suits, which range from jade plaques and shrouds dating from about 900 BC to superb pendants and sword fittings carved for a king buried near Canton in around 122 BC. The illustrated section, divided chronologically, is followed by a bibliography of sources, both English and Chinese.