[Collection Name]: Jade Butterfly

[Historical Era]: Qing Dynasty

[Collection Size]: Length 8.7 cm, Width 5 cm, Thickness 0.5 cm

The vessel is made of green and white jade, with one butterfly carved on each of the upper and lower parts, both of which are flat and in a flying posture with outstretched wings. Butterflies of different sizes are facing each other on the front, with their antennae hooked and extended forward. The patterns on the wings and abdomen are engraved with yin lines, while the shallow vortices depict the large wings. The jade quality of the object is delicate and warm, the carving is exquisite and excellent, and it has both form and spirit.

Butterflies have been known since ancient times as symbols of love, beauty, and harmony. Under this aesthetic pursuit, people use butterflies as jade objects for artistic creation, expressing their longing and pursuit for a better life. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, jade butterfly ornaments were relatively common, mostly worn alone. The materials used included turquoise, agate, green jade, white jade, etc. Among them, jade ornaments made of Hetian white jade were the most precious.