Chinese jade

Begin with the surface of a jade object. Light can reveal changes in colour and the depth of its carved lines. The gallery follows Chinese jade through early ritual pieces, blades, pendants, vessels and later decorative work. A cong, with its shaped body and central opening, offers a different form from a dragon pendant or a brushpot. The choice of shape affected how the stone could be held, worn, used or placed. Fine detail also demanded patient work with a resistant material. Much of this display comes from the Joseph Hotung collection on loan. The objects span a long period, so use a few contrasting forms to begin. Compare the open space within one piece with the solid mass of another, then see how carving changes the surface around it.