Jadeite Cabbage 翠玉白菜

Jadeite Cabbage 翠玉白菜

Mineral, Jade, Vegetable-like objects

Another piece of rock that has been carved into the shape of a Chinese cabbage head. It even has two insects crawling among the leaves.

Late Qing Dynasty (1644 AD- 1911 AD)

Small, Reflective and bright colour, Smooth texture

Craft

The cabbage was carved from a single piece of jadeite taking advantage of its half-white, half-green natural colors. The numerous imperfections in the rock such as cracks and discolored blotches were incorporated into the sculpture and became the veins in the cabbage's stalks and leaves.

Stone, Mineral

One important reason why carved-jade objects were and still are so highly prized, is because the Chinese believe that jade represents purity, beauty, longevity, and even immortality. In addition, jade carvers valued the stone for its glitter, translucent colors and shades.