Ancient Chinese folk jade is traditionally categorized into three main methods of care and restoration: the urgent method, the slow disk (plate) method, and the intentional method. The urgent method involves wearing the jade close to the body, allowing it to absorb body heat and moisture. Over time, this process can make the jade feel harder. After a few months, you can gently wipe it with an old, clean cloth—first with a coarse one, then a soft one—to bring out its natural luster.
It's important to avoid using colored cloths, as they may stain or damage the jade. Instead, use white or rough-textured cloths. The more you rub, the warmer the jade becomes, which helps remove impurities and dryness from the soil. This gradual process allows the jade to reveal its original color, making it more vibrant and refined over time.
Although the urgent method seems quick, it actually requires long-term dedication. Another traditional technique is the slow disk method, where the jade is worn around the waist for extended periods. This method demands patience and consistency, much like how ancient people nurtured their character. It usually takes two to three years before the jade shows significant color changes, and even longer if the goal is to achieve a deep, rich hue.
If left untouched for more than a decade, some jades can be restored through wearing. According to experts in Cong Gang, jade from the Qin and Han dynasties may regain their original appearance after being worn at the waist for over ten years. However, for older pieces from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, it might take decades—sometimes even fifty or sixty years—before they show signs of recovery.
Some Warring States period jades, for example, require up to twenty years of careful wearing after excavation. As the ancients said, "Jade from Shangjia should be worn for life." Whether using the hot plate or slow plate method, the longer the jade remains buried, the harder it is to restore its original color. This is because prolonged exposure to the earth causes deeper absorption of minerals and impurities into the jade’s structure.
Those who are too eager for quick results often fail to appreciate the true value of ancient jade. Wearing just a few pieces can help build patience and understanding, as the skill of "disking" requires time and devotion. The third method is the intentional approach, which I personally prefer because it involves direct contact and emotional connection. Ancient scholars also favored this method, seeing it as a way to cultivate virtue and inner peace.
This method can be combined with the slow disk technique. It involves holding and rubbing the jade by hand, treating it with care and respect. As the saying goes, "The virtue of jade can transform one's character," helping to purify the soul and promote sincerity and clarity. Like writing with a fine pen, it requires dedication and focus—qualities that fewer people possess today. But those who do it sincerely will find that jade not only regains its beauty but also brings a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
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