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COLLECTION STORY

Jade in the Royal Collection

Vibrant jades from around the world

Three vases in archaic bronze forms carved on a stepped stand: in the centre, an incense burner, with upright handles and three animal-style feet, carved with a taotie, the domed cover with an oval button knob; to one side, a two-handled vase, also with t
Group of three small vases forming an incense set ©

Explore Jade in the Royal Collection

      Master: Dagger and scabbard©

      Jade has long been valued for its durability, vibrant colour and its strikingly tactile quality.

      In the West, jade refers to both nephrite and jadeite. Both are silicates that are formed when pre-existing rocks are buried and undergo a process of material transformation, although jadeite is both rarer and harder than nephrite.

      From an eighteenth century Indian dagger hilt to a twentieth century Fabergé elephant, via Maori weapons and Chinese imperial status symbols, the jade in the Royal Collection demonstrates the many manifestations of jade objects across centuries and cultures.

      Find out more below:

      Chinese jade

      Jade has long been prized in China

      Maori pounamu

      Jade was traditionally used for high status weapons

      Fabergé

      Fabergé sourced local, lighter versions of nephrite

      Indian daggers

      Gifts given to the Prince of Wales in 1875

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      The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.