Jade carving has a deep resonance in Chinese culture for aesthetic, moral, and even magical reasons. Confucius himself said jade was the finest stone, since its properties like coolness, smoothness, and imperishability were allegories for the virtues of a moral person. Since it does not decay or age, jade became a symbol of immortality and expressed wishes for health and long life. Against this backdrop, Chinese jade carving has evolved over the centuries, coming to reflect other art forms, popular customs, and religion and folk tales.
Jade carving is art from which Yangzhou has long been famous for in imperial times. The main themes for carving are people, flowers and birds, small bottles, basins and bowls, and jewelry of various kinds. The themes and subjects of jade carvings make them not only beautiful art objects, but also expressions of Chinese culture and ideals.
