Tuesday
Apr242007
Olympic Medals
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 07:46AM 
This is a first look at China's medals for the 2008 Olympics. Speculation has been high to learn what graphics and materials China would use. All are 70mm in diameter (app. 2.5 inches).
China has to make 6000 medals for the Olympics, using only Chinese jade. Western dealers question that claim.
On the reverse side (the backs) China has placed jade in the forefront, extolling its historic stone in three colors. All three jade pieces are "Pi" disc carvings, China's most sacred symbol. Left is pale green jade, center is pure white nephrite, and right is a darker green nephrite.
Reader Comments (6)
the bi is the symbol for heaven (the hole in the middle) and earth. to close the hole like shown in the picture is to close from heaven.
if chinese have a rest of tradition knowlegde in ancient times, they never will do so.
jade friend
the bi is the symbol for heaven (the hole in the middle) and earth. to close the hole like shown in the picture is to close from heaven.
if chinese have a rest of tradition knowlegde in ancient times, they never will do so."
Perhaps that is the message....To put the olympic symbol in the hole where heaven is, I think, is legitimate symbology. For an athlete to sacrifice on such extraordinary levels to attain the highest degree of perfection available to an individual is on an athletic level, at least, heaven-like. To do so for no personal gain, for only the exaltation of the effort, is in keeping with the best of the Olympic tradition, and is, again, heaven-like. The message is a positive one, that like the pi(bi) there is the touch of heaven within us all if we seek it, and that man must strive single-mindedly towards that perfection. That strident effort should be held at the core of each man's very soul. The use of jade, 'the Stone of Eternity' to back the Olympic medals only serves to emphasize the eternal nature of that very personal struggle. I personally commend the Chinese not only for their choice of symbolism, but also for their choice of materials for the medals. Well done!
Craig Rosequist