Heaven Bestowed Rare Jades 1871 - 1933

This jade plaque, by Jian Guzhai, bears the inscription "Heaven Bestowed Rare Jades." We might think about this object in terms of gift giving in Chinese culture. The imagery—deer, clouds, and precious objects—references a classical tradition of bestowing good fortune. Who gave and who received such a gift? Was it a transaction between members of the court, or between officials and the emperor? Without a date, it's hard to situate this piece within the specific cultural and institutional histories that shaped its creation. The inscription itself tells us that the material is rare and valuable. Jade’s rarity and symbolic significance in China made it an ideal material for the elite, signifying status and power. The references to heaven are typical of imperial art. To better understand this plaque, we would need to delve into records of courtly gift-giving and the symbolism of jade in Chinese society. Art historians piece together the history of objects like this, to understand their significance and power.