Greenish-white Jade Gui with Grain Texture

A jade Gui was the most important gift a prince received when he was given a fiefdom. In the Ming dynasty, a grain-textured jade Gui was given as a betrothal gift to women marrying into the imperial family.

This grain-pattered jade Gui belonged to the Lady Wei, wife of Prince Zhuang. It was both an engagement gift and an essential ritual item she would have used during important events. Both sides of the Gui are carved to create protrusions in a grain pattern, symbolizing abundance of wealth and offspring.