The Jade Rabbit, also known as the Moon Rabbit, lives on the moon and is responsible for making medicine in the moon palace. It is an animal in ancient Chinese myths and legends.

In the early Western Han Dynasty, the silk paintings on Han Tomb No. 1 in Mawangdui, the silk paintings on Han Tomb No. 3 in Mawangdui, and the silk paintings on Tomb No. 9 in Jinqueshan, Linyi, Shandong, all have paintings on the crescent moon. There are images of rabbits and toads. Many rabbits running in the moon can also be seen in the tomb murals and stone portraits of the Han Dynasty. The Qianjingtou tomb in the western suburbs of Luoyang belongs to the mid-Western Han Dynasty. The top ridge mural depicts Nuwa holding a full moon, with a toad and a running rabbit among the full moon.

The 1961 "Yanjing Chronicles" records the customs of Beijing during the Qing Dynasty: every Mid-Autumn Festival, city residents would use loess to make toad and rabbit images for sale, which was called the Rabbit Lord. There are those who wear clothes and hats, there are those who wear armor and banners, there are those who ride tigers, and there are those who sit silently. The big one is three feet, the small one is more than one foot. The rest of the craftsmen and craftsmen are all beautiful and unprepared, and they are also playful and abusive.

Other aspects

As an ornament for people at that time, the jade rabbit of the Western Zhou Dynasty is beautiful in shape, finely carved, vivid and lovely. It is not only a direct reflection of ancient art, but also left a legacy for future generations. A precious sample for viewing. Since the Spring and Autumn Period, jade sculptures related to rabbits have undergone several changes. Whether in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, rabbit decorations were used as a mysterious beast symbol combined with other animal symbols.

During the Tang and Song Dynasties and later, rabbit jade pillows and other rabbit-shaped jade carvings with more vivid carvings and richer designs can all be found with some unique characteristics in the jade rabbits of the Western Zhou Dynasty. The Jade Rabbit of the Western Zhou Dynasty is not only a treasure of Chinese arts and crafts, but also a precious historical relic. Its shape is very representative, its craftsmanship is exquisite, and its style is unique.

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia—Jade Rabbit