1.The historical origins of Peaceful Card
The history of Peaceful Card can be traced back to the jade pendant system of the Zhou Dynasty. As an important feature of the pendant system, the jade pendant is a symbol of status. It was worn in the Zhou Dynasty and became popular in the late Spring and Autumn Period. After the improvement of the Warring States Period, Qin and Han Dynasties and the standardization of Wei and Jin Dynasties, the Zhou Emperor used jade pendants to control his steps, which opened the history of ancient gentlemen using jade pendants to control their steps. It was not until the Tang Dynasty that the role of jade pendants to control steps gradually faded. In the Ming Dynasty, Confucianism was advocated, and the function of jade pendants to control steps was restored to some extent.
In the Ming Dynasty, jade cards were popular. There were two production forms: carved and polished without carving. The Peaceful Card appeared in the late Ming Dynasty. It was originally a jade card carved by Lu Zigang, a jade carving master in the late Ming Dynasty. It had no decorations. It was named the Peaceful Card because of its homophony of “no decoration”. It meant that life was peaceful and complete, and it also contained the truth that “plainness and simplicity” is the true meaning of life. The jade cards carved by Lu Zigang are called “Zigang Cards” or “Zigang Cards”.
In the Qing Dynasty, jade cards became popular, and Suzhou jade workers regarded Lu Zigang as the master of their profession. In the Qing Dynasty, not only did the number of jade cards increase greatly, but the Peaceful Card no longer followed the strict rectangular proportions. There were various variations such as round, square, oval, and angular shapes, and the picture effect was characterized by gracefulness and meticulousness.
Contemporary jade cards have been further developed and innovated on the basis of Zigang cards. The mechanization of modern carving technology enables modern jade cards to express the designer’s creativity more clearly and delicately in the production process. The materials of Peaceful Cards are also rich and varied, mainly divided into precious wood, metal, gemstone, and animal bone. Peaceful Card has come all the way from the jade pendant system of the Zhou Dynasty, and has undergone the development and evolution of various dynasties, fully reflecting its profound cultural heritage.
2. The Masterpiece of Peaceful Card
(I) Lu Zigang and Zigang Plaque
Lu Zigang, a native of Taicang, Jiangsu, later moved to Suzhou. He studied in a jade carving workshop since he was young. With his hard work and talent, he became a famous jade carving craftsman in the Ming Dynasty. He was born in a famous family, but he became a jade carving craftsman because his family fell into poverty. Lu Zigang pioneered the design of “poetry, calligraphy, painting and seal” into jade. This innovative move changed the stale and vulgar style of Ming Dynasty jade and was appreciated by the gentry at that time.
The biggest feature of Zigang Plaque is the perfect combination of exquisite jade, exquisite carving and literati taste. Its basic style consists of two parts: calligraphy and painting on the front and calligraphy and seal on the back. The front consists of forehead, forehead frame and figures. The forehead is mainly Chinese auspicious patterns, such as cloud dragon pattern, flower pattern, etc. The calligraphy and painting part is often mainly relief, and many scenes, allusions and auspicious patterns are engraved. The back consists of forehead, forehead frame and engraving. The calligraphy and seal part is mostly positive engraving, and the font is mainly regular script and running script. The rectangular Zigang plaque is made of fine materials from Xinjiang Hetian, which is pure white and flawless. With superb jade carving skills, the written patterns are vividly expressed. On one side, landscapes, figures, etc. are carved, and on the other side, poems, calligraphy, etc. are carved, perfectly integrating Chinese calligraphy and painting art, literati taste and white jade quality. The “Safe and Peaceful” plaque is a jade plaque without decoration carved by Lu Zigang. It is named “Peaceful Card” after the homonym of “no decoration”, which means a safe and perfect life.
(II) The inheritance of Zigang plaques
Suzhou jade workers regard Lu Zigang as the master of their profession. In the Ming Dynasty, Zigang plaques were highly sought after by literati and became synonymous with high-end jade. Starting from Lu Zigang, craftsmen had the right to sign their works, which made Zigang plaques more recognizable and valuable. In the Qing Dynasty, Zigang plaques continued to be inherited and developed, and the number increased greatly. Although they no longer followed the strict rectangular proportions and appeared in many variations, they still maintained the graceful and delicate picture effect. According to a research paper by Mr. Zhang Guangwen, a researcher at the Palace Museum, Zigang plaques can be divided into four eras: the Ming Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty, modern times, and the contemporary era. Zigang plaques from the Ming and Qing dynasties are often seen in museums and collectors, with the most in the Palace Museum. Modern and contemporary Zigang plaques are mostly seen in trading markets and personal collections. The inheritance of Zigang plaques not only reflects the continuation of jade carving skills, but also highlights its profound cultural value and artistic charm.
3.The meaning of the Peaceful Card
(I) Blessings of peace and safety
The Peace and Safety card implies peace and safety, and everything goes well. It is regarded as a talisman and a wishing card. Its “flat” surface is smooth, symbolizing a smooth journey without twists and turns. In ancient times, when scholars went to Beijing to take the imperial examination, their families would give them a piece of the Peace and Safety card, praying that they would have a safe and smooth journey. Nowadays, men, women, young and old can wear the Peace and Safety card because it is simple and generous and does not pick people. Whether it is a child working or studying outside, or a busy office worker, wearing a Peace and Safety card can protect them from being in trouble. The Peace and Safety card is like a silent guardian messenger, bringing peace and tranquility to people.
(II) Simple and plain concept
The blank space of the Peace and Safety card reflects the “blank space” concept in traditional Chinese paintings. There is no decoration on the surface, which refers more to a simple and leisurely attitude towards life. This simple and plain concept is suitable for those who pursue peace and comfort in their hearts and a leisurely life. It is like a blank scroll, waiting for the wearer to fill it with his own life and write his own story. In this complicated world, the Wu Shi Pai protects a piece of pure land in people’s hearts, allowing people to find peace in the hustle and bustle.
(III) The expectation of a dream come true
The Wu Shi Pai is used as a wishing card, carrying people’s wishes and blessings. In Buddhism, nothing is something, and the Wu Shi Pai without any words or carvings on the surface leaves people with unlimited imagination. It is said that as long as you make a wish or blessing on the “Wu Shi Pai”, the wish can become a reality and guard it for a lifetime. Although this expectation has a certain mysterious color, it also reflects people’s yearning and pursuit for a better life. The Wu Shi Pai is like a mysterious treasure box, filled with people’s dreams and hopes.
5. Shape characteristics of the Peaceful Card
(I) Traditional shape
The traditional shape of the safe and peaceful amulet is generally rectangular, which gives people a sense of stability and grandeur. Most traditional safe and peaceful amulets have a head, which is easy to wear. Common styles of head styles include dragon and phoenix, auspicious clouds, ruyi head, ganoderma lucidum and other shapes. The dragon and phoenix head symbolize power and dignity, auspiciousness and beauty. The dragon means to soar into the sky and make great plans, and the phoenix represents auspiciousness and good fortune. The auspicious cloud head implies good luck and success, giving people a sense of softness and peace. The ruyi head head symbolizes everything going well, adding a beautiful expectation to the wearer. The ganoderma lucidum head is regarded as a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness due to its unique shape and meaning. These head designs are not only beautiful, but also can enhance the overall artistic value of the safe and peaceful amulet, making the safe and peaceful amulet more exquisite. At the same time, the head of the amulet should be in a reasonable proportion to the overall safe and peaceful amulet. A good head design complements the body of the amulet and will not appear abrupt or inconsistent, otherwise it will be superfluous.
(II) Diverse shapes
With the development of the times, modern Wu Shi Pai is no longer limited to the traditional rectangular proportions, and various shapes such as round and oval have emerged. The round Wu Shi Pai symbolizes harmony, perfection and softness, representing people’s peaceful life, tranquility of mind and harmonious interpersonal relationships. In jade culture, the circle is regarded as an infinite and continuous form, implying long-term happiness. The oval Wu Shi Pai combines the advantages of square and round, which is both stable and elegant, giving people a unique visual experience. These diverse shapes meet the aesthetic needs of different consumers and inject new vitality into Wu Shi Pai. Whether it is the traditional rectangular Wu Shi Pai or the modern round and oval Wu Shi Pai, they all attract people’s attention with their unique charm. They are not only a kind of decoration, but also a kind of cultural inheritance and spiritual sustenance.
