Le ee 
a 
—_— 
Jade or Nephrite. 39 
lowest prehistoric stratum, a number of axes of jade and jadeite, 
which are supposed to have been made of material brought from 
Central Asia. Although the theories of tribal migrations founded 
on the occurrence of jade far away from its source of origin may 
be far-fetched and hypothetical, there can be no doubt that in 
the earliest times objects of value travelled long distances from 
hand to hand by means of barter. Witness the constant occur- 
rence of amber from the Baltic on prehistoric sites in Southern 
Europe, and of turquoise from the east in the dolmens of 
Brittany. It may therefore be fairly inferred that jade axes, 
being of great value from their rarity and toughness, and 
esteemed for the properties attributed to the material, were used 
as articles of barter, and passed from one tribe to another over 
large tracts of country. 
Jade is said to be softer and easier to work when first quarried, 
and hardens by exposure. But the Chinese prefer water-worn 
boulders for important work, as, although much harder, they are 
less liable to unsuspected flaws, as such flaws, had they existed, 
would long ago have caused fractures from the knocking about 
the pieces received in the river. 
The Emperors of China claimed all jade found, and in the 
case of an exceptionally fine piece a committee of artists was 
called to decide as to the most suitable form to cut it into, the 
work frequently taking many years. The first occasion on which 
Chinese jade appeared in Europe in any quantity was after the 
sack of the Summer Palace in 1860, when quantities of fine 
specimens were brought here, and more especially to France ; 
also since the recent occupation of Pekin by European troops a 
great deal has been brought over. It is therefore to be feared 
that nearly all the fine old specimens of jade in European 
collections have been looted from their owners. Apart from the 
proceeds of warlike expeditions, old carved specimens of Chinese 
jade are difficult to obtain, and very expensive. 
It may be of interest to inquire as to the origin of the esteem 
and superstition with which jade is regarded wherever it is known 
and used. We have seen that alike in China, New Zealand, 
Mexico, and prehistoric Europe it has been looked upon as 
possessing magical properties, and highly valued accordingly. 
May it not be that, as jade was the toughest material known to 
primitive man that was suitable for weapons and tools, before he 
became acquainted with the use of metals, it became always 
associated with the idea of power and authority, as only those of 
high rank could afford to possess it on account of its rarity? In 
proof of this, there is a beautifully made green jade axe found in 
the Imperial Palace at Pekin, which was evidently regarded as 
an amulet of value. Also the necklaces worn as collars of office 
by mandarins have small axes mounted in gold hanging from 
