Getting to know jade better

A nephrite jade of a flower button (probably from the Ming Dynasty era (1368 - 1644)). (Right) Chui gave a two-hour talk on the impact jade has had on the Chinese civilisation, culture, language, customs and arts to students at the UTAR campus in Kampar. — File photo

IT’S not every day that you can get a jade expert. Some 30 students were lucky to have a former art and antique dealer, W.K. Chui, give a two-hour talk on the impact jade has had on the Chinese civilisation, culture, language, customs and arts at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar, Perak, recently.

Chinese nephrite jade were first worn by kings only and buried with them upon death. In ancient times, jade was used in solemn religious ceremonies, divination and sacrifices.