The He Disc: The Most Famous Jade Story
The He disc: a jade found by Bian He, doubted by two kings, which cost him both feet and became the most famous story of jade in all of China.
The Moral Virtues of Jade in Chinese Thought
The moral virtues of jade in Chinese thought: the eleven of the Liji, the five of Xu Shen, and why French lists of jade virtues never agree.
Maori Pounamu: The Jade I Don’t Imitate
Pounamu is the nephrite of New Zealand, owned by Ngai Tahu since 1997 and carved into hei tiki and koru. Why none of my pieces take those forms.
Jade in Chinese Tombs: The Burial Suit of Liu Sheng
The jade burial suit of Liu Sheng, over two thousand plaques sewn with gold wire: what Han China believed jade did for the dead, and what it did not.
Jade Motifs: Dragon, Turtle, Elephant and Bi Disc
Jade motifs of Chinese tradition: the dragon, the turtle, the elephant, the gourd and the Bi disc, what each is said to carry, and where it comes from.
The Jade Mala: What a String of Beads Really Counts
A jade mala is a counter for recitation before it is jewellery: the number of beads, what the stone adds, and how a mala differs from a bead bracelet.
A Jade Bracelet That Breaks
A broken jade bracelet: what Chinese tradition says it means, what actually breaks a bangle, and what can be done with the pieces afterward.
Jade Buddha Pendant Meaning: Who the Figure Really Is
Jade Buddha pendant meaning: the laughing Budai, the monk who became the Buddha to come, and why he is not the historical Buddha. The figure explained.
Jade for Good Luck: Where the Idea Comes From
Jade good luck, as tradition tells it: where the idea comes from in China, what it was attached to, and why no stone is sold here as a working charm.
Jade Bracelet Meaning: What Tradition Puts on the Wrist
Jade bracelet meaning in Chinese tradition: the bangle given at a birth or a wedding, the wrist it goes on, and what a broken one is said to mean.