Jade, hard stone known in China under the name Yu, is a nephrite.
Beauty and perenniality of the jade constitute a strong attraction for Chinese.
Chinese jade offers a wide range of colors and gradations. Nephrite may range from white to dark grey, from spinach green to brown; Jadeite may appears white or grey, green, black, yellow, brown or even purple or lavende. These variations are due to the presence in the stone of different minerals, especially iron, manganese and chrome.

During the Ming dynasty, decorative jade vases, jade cups, auspicious and mystical animals were common forms. With the Qing dynasty, the material was more abundant that allowed a more important production.

A large repertory of items and forms were produced for the Palace and officials. Personnal sets, scholar’s items, ceremony items as perfume boxes, incense-burners, vases, holder sticks, bowls, presents for auspicious wishes, snuff-bottles, etc…
Mogol jades showed the presence of indian lapidaries in workshops.

Agate, amber (hupo), rock crystal (shuijing), turquoise, jasper and soap-stone were also carved and used as snuff-bottle, jewelery, auspicious figure, religious item, as items for the scholar’s desk : brush-pots, waterdroppers etc...