Jadeite

In Chinese culture, jadeite has long been revered not only for its luminous beauty and remarkable strength, but also as a symbol of virtue, harmony, and nobility. One ancient legend ties the origins of jadeite to the creation goddess Nüwa, who is said to have repaired the broken sky to save the world.

According to the myth, Nüwa melted five colored stones—blue, red, yellow, white, and black—into a magical paste to seal the heavens. While gathering materials, she discovered a striking green stone, glowing softly with a translucent, radiant light. Though it refused to melt in the divine fire, it became even more pure and resilient. Enchanted by its beauty, Nüwa set it aside. After the sky was mended, she brought the stone down to earth and buried it in the mountains. Over time, nourished by the essence of heaven and earth, it transformed into what we now know as jadeite—a gift of the divine, symbolizing wisdom, compassion, and cosmic balance.

Centuries later, during the Qing dynasty, jadeite captured the heart of Emperor Qianlong, who amassed a grand collection and elevated the gem to a symbol of imperial refinement. One of the most celebrated pieces from his court is the “Jadeite Cabbage”—a masterful sculpture carved from a single piece of white and green jadeite. The artist cleverly used the natural color gradients to render delicate leaves and two tiny insects nestled within, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.

Today, the Jadeite Cabbage remains a national treasure, housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, admired by millions. Its legacy reflects not only the beauty of the material itself but also the artistry and imagination of generations of Chinese craftsmen. Jadeite is more than a gemstone—it is a vessel of myth, history, and cultural pride.