How jades connect China, NZ at Expo

WELLINGTON: During of the Shanghai World Expo in Shanghai next year, an ancient jade vessel and a large and striking greenstone hei tiki will symbolize the many links between New Zealand and China.

Undated file photo shows an greenstone hei tiki. [teara.govt.nz]

Both items, which have been drawn from the collections of New Zealand's Otago and Shanghai museums, are carved from jade -- known as "yu" in China and pounamu in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dunedin and Shanghai are sister cities and there is a special link between the two museums.

Phillip Gibson, the Commissioner-General of the New Zealand pavilion at Shanghai said on Monday that he was delighted that the two outstanding examples of jade carving will be displayed side-by-side at the expo.

"This is something very special. We are extremely grateful to both museums. It will be a real privilege to display these ancient and revered treasures," Gibson said in a media statement.

The two items will be displayed in the VIP area of the New Zealand pavilion for the six months the expo will be open.

The jade cong is a tall vessel, standing 21.6cm high. Its exterior is square while the inside is circular. It was carved during the period of the Liangzhu culture, the last Neolithic jade culture of the Yangtze River Delta, which flourished from 3500 BC to 2500 BC.

Full Coverage:  World Expo 2010 Related readings:  Shanghai to restore Bund ahead of World Expo  Games lights path for Shanghai 'green' expo  China Pavilion of 2010 Expo near completion  Model of US pavilion at Shanghai Expo unveiled in US  Security drill held for Shanghai World Expo

Jade has long been valued in both Chinese and New Zealand cultures, both for its range of colours and intrinsic beauty, and also for what it represents. In Chinese culture, jade can symbolize virtue and wisdom. In Maori culture, the pounamu hei tiki may symbolize chieftainship and status.

Measuring 16cm high and 9.6cm wide, the hei tiki is large and has eyes made from inset paua shell.

Gibson said the Shanghai expo was a "unique opportunity" for New Zealand in China. "We intend to have a distinctive presence, one that the several million visitors who will visit our pavilion will remember," he added.