In the Neolithic Age, the shape of vessels was generally plain, and occasionally some extremely simple concave carved lines appeared. During the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, the main decorative patterns were gluttonous patterns, dragon patterns, plain patterns and a small amount of Yun Leiwen. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the decorative patterns on jade articles gradually increased, including general patterns, silkworm patterns, valley patterns and Panguo patterns. At this time, the jade decoration is very distinctive, including "jumping knife" and "Han Ba Dao".
In the Tang Dynasty, jade decorative patterns borrowed from the line drawing techniques in painting at that time, and began to appear bouquets, sunflower patterns, flying figures and so on. Its bird and beast patterns are very finely carved. During the Song and Yuan Dynasties, its decorative patterns were rich and colorful, with dragons and phoenixes as the most auspicious. In addition, antique patterns such as flat, back and nail patterns coexist with phoenix and peony.
The decorative patterns on jade articles in the Ming Dynasty mainly include: pine, bamboo and plum patterns, moire patterns, cloud head patterns, dragon patterns, and patterns such as bound flowers and landscape figures. In addition, lettering on jade articles began to appear.
The Qing Dynasty was the peak of the development of ancient jade in China. In addition to the ancient decorative patterns, the newly created decorative patterns such as flowers, birds and cordyceps are colorful, and royal poems and various inscriptions appear on jade articles.