Institute Displays Chinese Jade Carvings from Smithsonian

By Amy Toosley

A collection of intricate Chinese jade carvings will be showcased in the GIA Museum in Carlsbad, California, May 24-Oct. 31. The new exhibit, “Magic, Myths, and Minerals: Chinese Jades from the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery,” includes 37 sculptures dating from the Shang Dynasty (13th-11th century B.C.) through the Qing Dynasty – Republic Period (1875-1925).

The collection, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), touches on the significance of jade in Chinese society and the art of jade carving. It also introduces the skills required to shape and polish the gemstone.

Most of the sculptures in the collection were made for private collectors who commissioned the pieces for personal appreciation, said Elise Misiorowski, G.G., director of the GIA Museum. The objects depict various significant animals to the Chinese culture, including birds, dragons, horses and elephants.

“‘Magic, Myths, and Minerals’ interprets the symbolism of these jade pieces and suggests what they may have meant to their original owners,” Misiorowski said. “This is a fascinating exhibit and a great benefit to the San Diego community to have such an impressive collection from the Smithsonian on display here at GIA.”