Jade "Mountain"

This mountainous landscape was carved to represent the Daoist paradise where immortals were thought to dwell. Mountains could also signify the place of retreat for Confucian scholar-officials during turbulent times. Typical of such supernatural and misty realms, this paradise includes images of the immortal Shoulao and the Eight Daoist Immortals, framed by fantastical trees and rocky ledges in the celestial landscape. Steps are seen leading to a cave, perhaps a reference to the Peach Blossom Spring, a utopian paradise described in earlier poetry and Daoist texts. Since ancient times, jade has been associated with magical powers and the ability to confer immortality.