The Natural Wonders of Jade: Ancient Chinese Jade Exhibition of Animal and Plant Themes

An Official Catalogue from a Landmark Exhibition
This volume is the official illustrated catalogue of the exhibition "The Natural Wonders of Jade: Ancient Chinese Jade Exhibition of Animal and Plant Themes," jointly organized by the Beijing Summer Palace Management Office and the Qing History Institute of Renmin University of China. Hosted at the Summer Palace Museum in 2022, this exhibition brought together over 230 jade artifacts dating from the Shang Dynasty to the early Republic era, drawn from three major institutions -2-9.

A Comprehensive Survey of Animal and Plant Motifs in Jade
The catalogue is organized into five thematic chapters that explore the rich symbolism of nature in Chinese jade carving: Dragons and Phoenixes, Auspicious Beasts and Birds, Domesticated and Wild Creatures, Fine Trees and Flowers, and Seasonal Vegetables and Fruits -1-14. Highlights include a Shang Dynasty jade tiger over 3,000 years old, a Qing Dynasty imperial inscribed cloud-and-dragon urn, and a rare Jin Dynasty "Spring Water" belt ornament depicting a falcon hunting a swan -6-9.

Bilingual Edition with Expert Insights
Published in both Chinese and English, this edition features high-resolution photographs of each artifact—including full views and intricate details—alongside scholarly interpretations by experts -1-13. With 476 pages of content, it serves as both a visual feast and a rigorous academic reference -14.

A Collector's Edition
Printed in a large 8-format hardcover with a protective slipcase, this catalogue is designed for longevity and display. Whether for personal enjoyment, academic research, or as a gift for lovers of Chinese culture, it is a worthy addition to any library -5-11.

Perfect For
Collectors of Chinese jade and antiquities, museum curators, art historians, students of Chinese material culture, and anyone captivated by the enduring beauty of jade.