The Technology History Of Carving Jade In Ming And Qing Dynasties In Beijing

Chinese jade culture is an important part of Chinese civilization. The history of carving jade was long, and the technology continued to mature in the long course of evolution, finally reached the peak in Ming and Qing Dynasties.Beijing was the capital of Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the history of jade industry had an inseparable relationship with imperial power. During Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing was always the center of court jade, compared to other center in the south, Beijing jade industry had the professional standard and strict management system. The central government set up "official workshops" to meet the demand of palace jade. In addition to official,"folk workshops" was another important part of Beijing jade industry, which was very prosperous in Ming and Qing Dynasties.The jade materials had less types in Ming Dynasty, and the overall level of quality is poor. The jade materials were very extensive in Qing Dynasty, and had wide varieties. In the middle of Qing Dynasty, except Hetian jade was still strictly limited, other materials were allowed to circulate freely, meanwhile, these materials had huge production and low price. Therefore, they were loved by the ordinary people.The jade workmanship of Ming Dynasty can be found in related history records,"jade carving machine" was an important technical innovation, which greatly improved the productivity and it laid the foundation of Qing Dynasty jade industry In Qing Dynasty, the main carving tools had been invented, and the technology had been perfected. Beijing jade industry came into the prosperous period in the middle of Qing dynasty.Beijing had its own style of carving jade. It embodied the imperial power and the elite culture, and it was also affected by the folk culture.