Keverne, Roger. Jade. Springer Science Business Media, 1991. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3922-3.
Keverne’s book, specifically “Jade: A Special Gemstone,” “Hang to Song Chinese Jades,” and “The Glorious Age of Chinese Jades,” include insight into the unique characteristics and properties of the gemstone, jade, as well as its scientific nature. Through exploring how jade evolved throughout the different dynasties in ancient Chinese history, the book features specific items of jade that were used for various purposes and held significant meaning. Keverne exhibits how jade was used as an item for trade, in addition to its use in rituals and burials, as well as in sculptures and personal ornaments. Keverne’s scholarly edition of Jade is very informative as it includes previous research and numerous relevant artifacts. I can use this resource to analyze how the various purposes of jade contribute to its symbolic meaning.
Lyons, .Elizabeth”Chinese Jades” Expedition Magazine 20.3 (1978): n. pag. Expedition Magazine. Penn Museum, 1978 Web. 28 Oct 2020 <http://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/?p=4268>
Lyons’ expedition illustrates the ornamental use, as well as the religious significance of jade. Through investigating the physical substance of the gemstone, Lyons traces the object’s origin in history and describes it as supernatural. Lyons brings the reader’s attention to ritual blades, ring discs, burial jades, jewelry and other objects of great importance. Lyons’ fascinating expedition consists of archeological evidence that supports her findings of jade in these valuable objects throughout history. I can use this resource to draw connections in how jade was utilized in different fields.
Sun, Jason. “Chinese Hardstone Carvings.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hard/hd_hard.htm (June 2016)
Sun’s museum expedition explores how jade evolved amongst other exclusive hardstones in the history of China’s materialistic culture. Sun describes the art form of hardstone carving and how the practice allowed for economic growth and prosperity. As he introduces the craftsmen’s work, he highlights the aesthetic purposes, as well as auspicious meaning behind the objects. Sun’s resource consists of a great amount of information provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and British Museum, as well as other well regarded pieces of work. I will use the museum expedition to expand my knowledge of this emblematic art form.
