Chinese
Belt Buckle Carved with Phoenixes, 18th - 19th century, Qing Dynasty, 1644 - 1911/12
Not on view
Jade
Dimensions1 3/16 × 1 15/16 × 9/16 in. (3 × 4.9 × 1.4 cm)
Gift of Genevieve and Richard Shaw, 2008.58
Throughout history flawless white jade has been appreciated for its beauty and rarity. Because jade takes a considerable time to form, it is quite common for other minerals to be introduced to the ground, creating discoloration. The most valued white jade is called Yangzhiyu and comes from the Kunlun mountain in Hetian, Xinjiang Province of China. Yangzhiyu jade has been described as looking like “fresh mutton fat,” with pure white coloring and a translucent texture.
