Common
Knowledge of Chinese Culture
Jade
The mineral held in the highest estimation in
China is jade. Under the name of yu, the Chinese not only include the three varieties of
the silicate of alumina called jade, nephrite, and jadeite by mineralogists, they also
apply the same term to a number of different stones. Sonorousness and color are the two
qualities which enhance its value, the best coming from Yunnan. It is also supplied to
China by the Burmese mines. A greenish-white color is the most highly prized. The Chinese
look upon jade as emblematical of most the virtues; and form the excessive admiration they
have for it, it is natural that they should have largely used it their ceremonious
language. For example, in addressing a man, his daughter is styled "a jade
girl," his hand is "a jade hand", "a jade foot" means his coming
or "I hope you will transfer your jade" means "I hope you will come,"
etc.
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