Okjang refers to the skill of jade carving or an artisan with such a skill. Jade, set in gold and silver, was a favorite gemstone for Asians. Jade was used as an accessory symbolizing the five virtues, courage, benevolence, wisdom, rectitude and honesty. It was also used to make ceremonial utensils, hanging accessories indicating the wearer’s social status, okgyeong (jade chimes), medicinal materials, and medical tools.

The use of jade as an important accessory for upper class people is testified to by the jade artifacts found at the sites dating from the Bronze Age, the curved jade, jade beads, and tubular jade unearthed from tombs of Three Kingdoms Period, and the jade waist belt of King Jinpyeong, which is said to be one of the top three treasures of Silla. In Korea (up to the Joseon Period) and China, jade artifacts could be used only by members of the Royal Family and upper class people. It was difficult to acquire jade and the government limited the number of jade artisans.

The work of jade processing, from quarrying to design, cutting, formation, detailed carving, and lustering requires careful handling and exquisite artistic skills. ☆