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 A
word on the word: the Chinese term for jade in general is yu(玉),which
refers
to two classes of nephrite. In the 19h century, the
word “jadeite” was invented to refer to feicui(翡翠)，or“kingfisher feather”jade,
a stone from Burma which often appears in translucent dark and bright
green but which has only been used in China since the 18th century.“Jade”is
a corruption
of a Spanish word meaning “loin stone,”as jade was used in Central
America as a topical treatment for kidney disease.
In
later dynasties, jade continued to be made into items for decorative
use, although the court had sets of dinnerware made out of the rare
material. The most common forms are small human and animal figures,
often taking
advantage of uneven coloration in the material; cups
and other small containers; images of Buddhist and Taoist gods and
saints; and vases and other “imitations”of shapes.
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