Before playing with jade (pan yu), one must first understand the inherent qualities of the object itself. Of course, the primary consideration is that the material must be correct, and secondly, the quality of the jade should be good. Even with great effort, jade made from incorrect materials will yield significantly diminished results. For instance, Russian or Qinghai jade becomes increasingly dry with play, and the color changes are not obvious. Good material, commonly known as Hetian seed jade, feels much better when played with compared to mountain jade, especially those pieces with skin coloration. The subtle changes during play can be endlessly enjoyable, making the experience worlds apart.
1. Upon acquiring a jade piece, soak it in lukewarm water for 2-3 hours first (to soften surface attachments), then clean it thoroughly with a toothbrush. Afterwards, place it in hot water (about 70-80 degrees Celsius for new jade) to soak...