Identifying this ?jade pendant

[Snowdrop13]

Hello everyone. This pendant was in my mother in law’s jewellery box and I’m wondering what it is? She was born in Thailand and had family who lived in Malaysia, this was all 1930’s era. Is it jade? I’m not sure of the terminology. Also, can anyone tell me what the symbols mean? I think it probably needs a good clean now I see the close ups!

 

[Crimson]

Ooh， what a meaningful piece, @Snowdrop13.
Yes, the characters are Chinese. The character in the first photo is 民 “min” (citizenry) and the second 国 “guo” (nation). The term 国民 refers to citizens of a nation. Such fun that you can wear it either word facing out.
It is quite a patriotic item.
Was your mother in law originally from China?
As to the time period, I note that the word 国 is in the simplified Chinese script, which is post-1949, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Wow, @Crimson thank you for replying, and to my other thread in Hangout! That is so interesting to know. Ma in law was born in Thailand into an expat U.K. family but went to school partly in Malaysia. I don’t think she ever went to China although it’s possible some family members may have been there. (Or Hong Kong, I wonder if that would be a possible source?). I must discuss with DH and hear if there’s any more to the story.

 

[Crimson]

Wow, @Crimson thank you for replying, and to my other thread in Hangout! That is so interesting to know. Ma in law was born in Thailand into an expat U.K. family but went to school partly in Malaysia. I don’t think she ever went to China although it’s possible some family members may have been there. (Or Hong Kong, I wonder if that would be a possible source?). I must discuss with DH and hear if there’s any more to the story.

I replied to both because I didn’t want your post to be lonely
Ah, Malaysia. That might well be where she got it. It is quite a traditional style. The interesting feature of this piece is the patriotic message. Such pieces more commonly have words for good luck or long life in the centre.
The simplified script provides a clue as to where it was made. Hong Kong and Taiwan still use the traditional Chinese script, not the simplified one.
Do you know the significance of the shape of the jade?
This is called a bi.
It is based on the shape of ancient divination tools in China.
The bi represents a portal between heaven and earth, and is also a symbol of eternity. It brings protection to whoever wears it.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Thank you again, @Crimson! That is really very interesting. I spoke to DH who says she was in Malaysia at the start of the war, around 1940, so sounds like that would predate the simpler script? She did have family who were in the area later into the 40’s so I guess they might have bought it as a gift at some point. It’s all so fascinating, being solidly European ourselves we have little knowledge of anything from the Far East.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hello everyone. This pendant was in my mother in law’s jewellery box and I’m wondering what it is? She was born in Thailand and had family who lived in Malaysia, this was all 1930’s era. Is it jade? I’m not sure of the terminology. Also, can anyone tell me what the symbols mean? I think it probably needs a good clean now I see the close ups!

and after its clean we, i mean you, are going to wear it
it is the most lovely colour on my screen

 

[Crimson]

Thank you again, @Crimson! That is really very interesting. I spoke to DH who says she was in Malaysia at the start of the war, around 1940, so sounds like that would predate the simpler script? She did have family who were in the area later into the 40’s so I guess they might have bought it as a gift at some point. It’s all so fascinating, being solidly European ourselves we have little knowledge of anything from the Far East.

Isn’t it lovely that one piece of jewellery holds these stories and history? It is said that the wearer nurtures the jade for three years and jade nurtures the wearer for a lifetime so there is something of the owner in each piece.
Jadeite is quite hardy and I think just a nice gentle clean will do.

 

[Snowdrop13]

Isn’t it lovely that one piece of jewellery holds these stories and history? It is said that the wearer nurtures the jade for three years and jade nurtures the wearer for a lifetime so there is something of the owner in each piece.
Jadeite is quite hardy and I think just a nice gentle clean will do.

It is! There’s so much I’d love to know about where this, and some of her other pieces have been. That’s a beautiful sentiment, too. @Daisys and Diamonds I will be wearing it for sure.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hello everyone. This pendant was in my mother in law’s jewellery box and I’m wondering what it is? She was born in Thailand and had family who lived in Malaysia, this was all 1930’s era. Is it jade? I’m not sure of the terminology. Also, can anyone tell me what the symbols mean? I think it probably needs a good clean now I see the close ups!

i just need another look