The National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, boasts an unexpected star attraction: a jadeite sculpture of a Chinese cabbage. This unassuming artwork, just 7.4 inches tall, draws millions of visitors annually and has become a powerful symbol for the island.
Carved from a single block of white and green jadeite, the sculpture is remarkably lifelike. It appears freshly picked, with dew-like glistening and natural flaws in the stone used to create the illusion of ribs on its stems. Two insects, a katydid and a locust, are subtly carved into its verdant leaves.
Key Takeaways
- The Jadeite Cabbage is the National Palace Museum's most popular exhibit.
- It is carved from jadeite, depicting a cabbage with insects.
- The sculpture symbolizes purity, fertility, and abundance.
- It traveled from Beijing's Forbidden City to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War.
- Despite its popularity, art historians view it as one of many fine Qing dynasty carvings.
The Enduring Appeal of a Stone Cabbage
The Jadeite Cabbage is so popular that it has its own dedicated exhibition hall. The museum even publishes its travel schedule, informing visitors when the piece is on loan to prevent disappointment. While exact visitor numbers for this specific item are not tracked, the consistent long lines for photos suggest it is a primary draw.
Chloe Wang, a tourist from mainland China, observed during a recent visit, "When you see it in pictures, it doesn't seem that vivid, but when you see it here in true light, it's really more attractive." This highlights the sculpture's subtle beauty that must be experienced firsthand.
Fast Facts
- Height: 7.4 inches (18.7 cm)
- Material: White and green jadeite
- Origin: Likely late 19th century, Qing dynasty imperial collection
- Annual Museum Visitors: Approximately 2 million
Symbolism and Historical Context
The cabbage's fame extends beyond its artistic merit. It is often called a "national treasure" of Taiwan, though this is not an official designation. Its image appears on merchandise, plush toys, and replica models, reflecting its deep cultural impact.
Art history professor Hsu Ya-hwei of National Taiwan University notes that the jade's shimmering colors and the sculptor's technical skill contribute to its standout quality. "The craftsmanship, combined with this particular piece of the material, produced a good result," she stated.
The sculpture's enduring popularity also stems from its perceived symbolism. It is believed to have been part of a dowry for China's Guangxu Emperor in the 1880s. This connection has linked the artifact to themes of female purity, fertility, and abundance. While some historians debate whether the insects represent children or if it was truly a dowry gift, the narrative has captivated the public imagination.
"The auspicious wishes contained in the artifact are quite important, and probably a key factor in its appeal to ordinary visitors," said Professor Hsu Ya-hwei.
Journey from Forbidden City to Taipei
The Jadeite Cabbage, like much of the National Palace Museum's collection, is an imperial relic. It was originally housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing. After the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912, it was discovered in a colorful enamel pot.
When Beijing's Palace Museum opened in 1928 to display the imperial collection, curators chose to exhibit the cabbage without its pot, enhancing its visual appeal. It became an instant public success.
A Collection's Odyssey
In the 1930s, as Japan's Imperial Army advanced, many treasures were evacuated from Beijing. They spent years hidden in various cities, sometimes in temples and caves. After the Chinese Civil War, Republican forces, fleeing to Taiwan, shipped thousands of crates of artifacts. This massive relocation included nearly 700,000 items, forming the core collection of Taipei's National Palace Museum, which opened in its current location in 1965.
In 1968, Taiwan's national postal service issued a stamp featuring the Jadeite Cabbage, printing 3.5 million copies. This further cemented its place in the public consciousness.
More Than Just a Cabbage
The Jadeite Cabbage is often grouped with two other popular artifacts at the museum: the Meat-Shaped Stone and the Mao Kung Ting. The Meat-Shaped Stone is a piece of jasper carved to resemble braised pork belly, while the Mao Kung Ting is an ancient bronze cooking vessel with the longest known inscription of Chinese characters. Tour guides often refer to this trio as "pickled cabbage pork hotpot," a clever marketing strategy that highlights their everyday nature.
Wang Shao-chun, a former museum researcher, explained in a journal that the familiar image of the cabbage helps create a connection to the imperial court, which can often feel distant. This relatability is a key part of its broad appeal.
Artistic Perspectives and Scarcity of Records
Despite public adoration, some art historians and museum curators hold a more nuanced view. They consider the Jadeite Cabbage to be of similar quality to many other realistic jade carvings from the Qing dynasty. Chang Li-tuan, another former museum researcher, noted, "It is one of the most unique, but not the only great piece of Chinese craftsmanship."
Researchers also point to a significant lack of historical records for the piece. Information about who commissioned, crafted, or even owned it remains largely unknown. Professor Hsu stated, "There are few historical clues about the piece that allow us to talk about it in-depth. Or at least, they have not yet been found." This lack of detailed provenance is why Taiwan's Ministry of Culture has designated it a "significant antiquity" rather than a full "National Treasure."
Wang Shao-chun commented, "Its popularity and its historical value are clearly unproportional. Just like movies, a blockbuster may not necessarily be a masterpiece, and vice versa."
Security and Diplomacy
The museum prioritizes the security of its prized artifacts. The Jadeite Cabbage is displayed in a reinforced glass cabinet and secured with tight strings, a crucial measure in earthquake-prone Taiwan. When traveling, it is placed in a dedicated, protective container and escorted by police and museum staff.
The cabbage rarely travels internationally. Before this year, its last overseas exhibition was in Japan in 2014. However, such loans can serve diplomatic purposes.
In August, to celebrate the Palace Museum's centennial, the Jadeite Cabbage, along with over 130 other artifacts, was sent to the Czech Republic. This exhibition reflects warming ties between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, even as relations between the Czech Republic and China have cooled.
Beijing's ruling Communist Party, which claims Taiwan as its territory, criticized the exhibition, calling it "separatist maneuvers." Taiwanese officials rejected the accusation, describing it as a simple cultural exchange.
In late September, Taiwan's government reported an anonymous email threat against the exhibition, mentioning "arson, theft, shootings or terror attacks." The National Palace Museum confirmed it is working with Czech authorities to enhance security. The exhibition remains open, with the Jadeite Cabbage proving a strong draw for Czech visitors.
"It dates from the late 19th century. But it is a perfect example of the highest artistry achievable with jade," said Ondřej Crhák, the show's curator, to Radio Prague International. "This is its first appearance in Europe. Given its importance to the National Palace Museum and to Chinese culture, that makes it truly unique."
