Vase

Art Historical Context

This exquisite nephrite jade vase, from China's Ming dynasty (1368–1644), embodies the era's reverence for jade as a material of profound cultural and spiritual significance. Nephrite, prized for its toughness and subtle green translucency, was meticulously carved into vessels like this one, measuring 8¾ inches (22.2 cm) in height and 5 inches12.7 cm) wide. During the Ming period, jade craftsmanship flourished under imperial patronage, with artisans employing time-honored techniques to shape raw boulders into elegant forms, often evoking harmony with nature. In Chinese tradition, jade symboli...