Carving of this stone has been used in virtually all periods of Chinese history and generally accords with the style of decorative art characteristic of each period.

The Chinese regard carved-jade objects as intrinsically valuable. They metaphorically equate jade with human virtues because of its hardness, durability, and beauty. Jade was prized by the Chinese for its durability, its musical qualities, its subtle, translucent colors, and its alleged protective powers - it was thought to prevent fatigue and delay the decomposition of the body.