I have found jade fascinating since high school when I received a white jade pendant from one of my close friends who came back from Beijing. Although I did not know much about it, it looked so beautiful. I was told it can change color in time, as it takes on your body’s energy and life source. 

To this day jade is fairly unpopular and unknown in the West, however, in the East it is considered one of the most prized jewels one can attain.

Korea is no exception as the earliest pieces have been discovered from the Neolithic period (1st century B.C. – A.D. 7th century), while it continued throughout the Joseon dynasty where jade jewels were very popular among the upper-class women.

In the Korean culture jade carries an important tradition as it is believed to possess magical powers that can bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. For example, the Korean royal family uses jade as a symbol of authority and fortune.

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Korean master craftsman, Jang Ju-won, is proud to say that today Korea is among the most preeminent makers of jade craft. He became fascinated with jade from the age of 20 when he found a broken incense jade burner that could not be fixed, so he took it upon himself to fix it. He traveled to many countries to learn the craft by himself. For him creating a jade piece requires months or even years of preparation and he develops a deep connection to each piece he creates. The process of carving the jade and ensuring the product is free of cracks involves complicated steps and a long process but the result is always fascinating.

I also wear my jade piece with pride, and I am equally fascinated by its durability and uniqueness.

Jade is also very expensive, and, depending on the color, cut and durability, some pieces can be sold for thousands of dollars.

Here are some examples of what jade looks like and what objects can be made from it:

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Incense burner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Jade norigae

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Photos taken from the “Masters of Traditional Korean Handicrafts Text”

 

Reference materials used:

Masters or Traditional Korean Handicrafts Text

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/the-meaning-of-jade-jewelry-to-koreans/

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Thank you for reading.

#koreanculturalcenter #koreanjade #koreanculture #한국문화 #한국옥

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