Exhibit Introduction

Living Jade

Reimagining the Past in Ming and Qing China

October 2025 - May 2026

This exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of jade artistry during China’s Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties—eras marked by a flourishing civil society and an unprecedented expansion of cultural life. As literacy and affluence grew, art became increasingly accessible—not just reserved for the elite but cherished by scholars, merchants, artisans, and collectors alike.

At the heart of this exhibition are exquisite jade sculptures from the Ming and Qing periods. These works embody both personal expression and cultural revival. During the Qing dynasty, a fascination with the ancient past gave rise to archaism—the artistic practice of recreating Bronze Age ritual forms in jade. Meanwhile, epigraphy, or the study and carving of ancient inscriptions, became a popular pursuit among the literati, influencing jade objects with scholarly flair and historical reverence.

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What makes these creations particularly compelling is their imaginative reinterpretation. Qing artists weren’t simply copying the past—they were crafting their own versions, informed by the aesthetics and values of their time. In this way, their creative process mirrors our own: we, too, engage with heritage not as a static relic but as a living source of inspiration.

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By showcasing these historic jade works, the exhibition invites contemporary viewers to connect with the passion, curiosity, and cultural pride of past generations. Through this dialogue across time, we celebrate not only the artistry of jade but the enduring human desire to create, to remember, and to reimagine.

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This exhibition is presented with pieces from the Tianhe Shanfang Collection.