Jade Ornaments

Jade ornaments have been part of Chinese decorative arts for centuries, taking forms that range from simple circular discs to carved dragons and other traditional motifs. At Shimu, our Oriental Gifts and Ornaments collection includes jade pieces designed for display on furniture, walls and cabinet doors, as well as decorative tassels combining carved stone with beads and fabric.

The range works particularly well alongside Chinese cabinets, armoires and reclaimed elm furniture. Some pieces are restrained in shape and colour; others use dragons, phoenixes and Chinese characters drawn from long-established decorative traditions.

Chinese Jade Ornaments for the Home

Chinese jade ornaments can be used in several ways around the home. A substantial stone disc on a stand works well on a console or sideboard, while a hanging ornament can be placed on a cabinet handle, wardrobe or wall.

Shimu’s current selection includes dark green and white jade, carved circular forms and long tassels in colours such as green, blue, grey, gold and red. Some pieces in the wider collection use soapstone, so it is worth checking the individual product description when jade is specifically required.

Their relatively modest scale also makes many of these ornaments easy to move as furniture and room arrangements change.

Jade Bi Discs and Traditional Chinese Form

Among the oldest forms associated with Chinese jade is the Bi disc: a flat circular stone with an opening through its centre. Archaeological examples date back to Neolithic China, and the form continued to appear in later periods. Its original purpose is not known with certainty, although Bi discs have been found in burials and were associated with ceremony and status.

Shimu’s Dark Jade Chinese Bi Ring takes this ancient form and presents it as a decorative object on a black metal stand. The dark green jade varies naturally between individual pieces, and the range is produced in several sizes.

Placed on a cabinet or console, the simple circular form sits comfortably in both traditional and contemporary rooms.

Jade Dragon Ornaments and Carved Tassels

The dragon appears frequently across Shimu’s jade ornament range. One of the smaller pieces is the Jade Dragon Tassel, where a coiled jade dragon sits between dark green beads above a grey faux-silk tassel. The ornament measures around 55cm in height and comes with a presentation box.

Other designs include white jade dragons, pairs of opposing dragons and circular discs carved with several stylised dragons. Shimu describes the Chinese dragon as a traditional symbol associated with power, strength and good fortune.

These hanging pieces work naturally with Chinese furniture because they can be suspended from cabinet handles or locking pins without requiring permanent fixing.

Chinese Jade Ornaments with Traditional Symbols

Dragons are only one subject found within the range. Shimu’s jade tassels also include phoenixes, elephants, ornamental vases and Chinese characters.

The Blue Tassel with Double Happiness Symbol has a circular jade centre carved with the traditional Double Happiness character, a motif commonly associated with marriage. At approximately 50cm long, it can be hung from a cabinet or door handle, or displayed on a wall.

Other pieces combine jade with images of phoenixes and dragons, while Shimu’s ornamental vase design incorporates dragons and a bat, the latter traditionally associated with good fortune.

A larger jade ornament needs furniture with enough scale to carry it. Shimu’s Large Green Tassel with Good Luck Symbol measures around 125cm from top to bottom. Its circular jade carving is approximately 30cm across and carries a central good-luck symbol surrounded by dragons.

Shimu suggests hanging the piece from an antique armoire or lacquered cabinet. The long sage-green tassel gives it enough length for tall furniture, where a smaller ornament could easily become lost.

Jade Tassels as Decorative Accents

Smaller jade tassels offer greater flexibility. They can be hung from wardrobes and cabinet doors, displayed against a wall or used as curtain ties. Shimu’s medium versions are close to a metre long, with carved jade discs around 12cm across. Colour should be considered alongside the stone carving. Gold works particularly well against black lacquer, while blue, grey and green can sit comfortably with natural elm or pale painted furniture.

For customers drawn to older furniture, Shimu’s Chinese Antique Furniture provides a natural setting for these smaller decorative pieces.

About Shimu

Shimu has specialised in Chinese furniture since 2003, offering traditionally crafted furniture, restored antiques and oriental home accessories. Our jade ornaments are selected to sit naturally alongside Chinese cabinets, armoires and other furniture, with designs ranging from simple Bi discs to carved symbolic tassels. Browse Shimu online or visit our West Yorkshire showroom to see the current range.

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