jade, nephrite, China, Chinese art, modern Chinese jade carving, gems

Zhou and Liao examine contemporary Chinese jade from the perspectives of material, craftsmanship, design, and cultural meaning. The volume presents a broad selection of modern jade works and considers how traditional Chinese jade culture has been reinterpreted by contemporary carvers and designers. Particular attention is given to the relationship between the intrinsic qualities of the stone—color, texture, form, and surface features—and the artistic decisions made during carving. The illustrated examples encompass both traditional subjects and more innovative compositions, demonstrating the coexistence of established techniques and symbolism with changing aesthetic tastes. As part of a gemological book series, the volume combines appreciation of jade as a natural material with an examination of its continuing development as an important medium of contemporary Chinese decorative art.