The latest news from the Jadefiend Studio
A simple, elegant and finely detailed horse head pendant carved in flawless deep green jade, painstakingly polished with contrasting gloss and matte finishes. The perfect gift for anyone born in the Year of the Horse. People born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse are believed to be energetic, independent, intelligent, and enthusiastic. They are passionate about their pursuits and eager to explore new horizons. Learn more HERE
One of the most famous horses in Chinese history was a stallion called Dapple. He was the mount of Xiàng Yǔ the nobleman who spent years warring with Liú Bāng to see who would become emperor after the collapse of the Qin Dynasty in 206 BCE. The last great battle between them was fought at Gāixià. Outnumbered three-to-one, Xiàng Yǔ’s army was annihilated. He fled with eight hundred cavalry. They were relentlessly pursued and hacked down by Liú Bāng’s soldiers. By the time he reached the banks of the Yangtze River, Xiàng Yǔ was reduced to less than thirty men. There was a boat waiting to take him to safety, but he knew it was all over. He got down from his faithful war stallion, Dapple who had carried him so faithfully for years and went to face the enemy one last time. When he saw an old friend who had become one of Liú Bāng’s soldiers, he told him, ‘I have heard that a reward of a thousand catties of gold and a fief of ten thousand households has been offered for my life. So I will do you a favour.’ and with that, he cut his own throat.
And if you want to learn more about jade, dive into the legends and myths surrounding the Stone of Heaven in Andrew’s critically acclaimed book, A Jade Treasury. Jade is the most romantic and blood drenched stone on earth. To ancient cultures all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it; wars were fought over it and cities were offered in exchange for a piece of it. The ancient Olmecs of Central America treasured it far more than gold. Maori were so fond of it they killed and ate ten British sailors who tried to steal some of it. If you want to know about the pirates who poisoned a man to get hold of it or how many slaves the Inuit would swap for a piece of it, then this is the book for you.