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The Chinese began carving jade more than six thousand years ago, finding it to be highly workable compared to other types of stone. Colours range through blue, violet and pink as well as the more common green and white, and although its use in the creation of valuable, decorative and ceremonial items was explored later in other countries, its long-standing relationship with Chinese culture is one of the most fascinating.
Believed to have life-imparting, preserving, wisdom-giving and sexually empowering magical properties, jade was used during the Han Dynasty to make items of personal use such as spoons or opium pipe stems, the intention being to endow the users with these and other desirable characteristics.
Its function as a lucky charm, carved into or decorated with auspicious animals such as dragons, has lasted until the present day, and instead of full burial outfits for noblemen, the Chinese jade-carving factories of today produce exquisitely delicate ornamental pieces such as statues and household items designed in the style of ancient Chinese works of art, such as decanters, cutlery, beads and teapots.
It is possible to visit one of China's jade factories today to watch the grinding, polishing and carving process, for example the Yizheng Jade Carving Factory in Yangzhou, which also has its own online shop.
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Review by editor  larapiegeler
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