"Color Acts as a Symbol"

From kingfisher to jadeite

Abstract

In ancient China, "jadeite" originally referred to a type of beautiful bird. Over time, with the development of craftsmanship and technology, the feathers of these birds became prized materials for adorning jewelry and textiles. With the unique aesthetics and culture of the Chinese people, "jadeite" was also used as an adjective to describe the beautiful colors of landscapes and objects. During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, jade stones from Yunnan and Burma entered China. By the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, the term "jadeite" became exclusively associated with the gemstone as we know it today. The transformation of the name "jadeite" reflects the Chinese pursuit of beauty.