New book sheds light on the Shang Dynasty's jade mysteries

Jade, whether carved for jewelry or decoration, has always played a special part in the material and spiritual life of the Chinese, despite the many diverse jade accessories offered today. Not only is jade considered a valuable and beautiful natural stone, but it is also regarded as a majestic symbol of supernatural power, eternity, and moral integrity in a more profound cultural sense.

The special sentiments of jade held by people today can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC), during which jade of various shapes was used for different occasions of importance, implying the social class and order of a nation.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Jade Artifacts from Shang Dynasty, a book authored by Ding Zhe, a seasoned jade researcher, offers a glimpse into the variety of Shang jade and its relevance in the development of social rules and etiquette, and people's perceptions of their relationship with the universe.

Published by the Cultural Relics Press, it is a vivid catalog of the jade collections kept worldwide. More importantly, Ding shares his discerning views of the formation of jade culture and its embedded philosophical views in the whole of Chinese civilization.