Nine Virtues of Jade
Artists: Qin Juntao, Yang Mingzhen, Han Wei
Silver Medal Winner - Zhen Ping Jade Festival Hua Yu Cup 2025
This Australian jade carving series, titled Nine Virtues of Jade, draws inspiration from the Confucian text The Book of Rites (Liji), which compares the noble qualities of a gentleman to the virtues of jade. The nine plaques each represent one of the traditional virtues: Benevolence (仁), Righteousness (义), Propriety (礼), Wisdom (智), Integrity (信), Gentleness (温), Kindness (良), Respect (恭), and Modesty (廉).
Each plaque features:
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Front: Finely engraved traditional Chinese landscapes, florals, or symbolic imagery reflecting the spirit of each virtue.
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Back: Classic scriptural excerpts on each moral ideal, presented in elegant calligraphy and engraved with meticulous craftsmanship.
Carved from fine-grained Australian black nephrite, the material’s dark luster and fine polish elevate the contemplative elegance of each plaque. The series can be appreciated individually or as a complete set, symbolizing holistic moral cultivation and the timeless ideal of the Chinese “junzi” (gentleman-scholar).
This work is a testament to the synergy of:
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Ancient philosophy
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Jade aesthetics
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Contemporary craftsmanship
“Just as jade embodies virtue, so does the gentleman wear it to cultivate the self.”
