An Asian carved stone (jade?) cat on a decorative carved wooden base.
My mother inherited the piece from a woman who she used to work for. This lady was the niece of the late renowned Los Angeles antique dealer Alice Braunfeld. When Alice died around 2003, her niece inherited the bulk of her estate. As a gift my mother's employer gave her the carved cat. The condition is very good--no cracks or repairs made on the item. The item was valued at around $1000 at the Antiques Roadshow held at Anaheim California over 10 years ago. We were told it was at least a couple hundred years old.
I don't know the exact dimensions of the cat but it is no more than 10-12 inches long and no more than 6-7 inches high. It is very heavy.
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
Your item is a Chinese hand-carved stone sculpture of a reclining cat, possibly made of jade or a similar hardstone, presented on a finely carved wooden stand. The figure exhibits a smooth, polished surface with variegated gray and brown hues, suggesting natural stone variations. The carving style and expressive facial features suggest it was likely crafted in the late Qing Dynasty (19th-early 20th century), though without further provenance or testing, a precise date is difficult to determine.
The market for Chinese hardstone carvings remains robust, with values depending on the material, craftsmanship, and period. Assuming this is jade, its value would increase significantly. The detailed provenance mentioning its previous appraisal at Antiques Roadshow and connection to a well-known antique dealer lends credibility to its authenticity and desirability.
Hello Paula,
Thank you for your detailed questions. Let’s address them step by step.
To determine whether the cat sculpture is made of jade, there are a few options. A reputable jeweler with experience in gemstones may be able to assist, though jade identification often requires specialized knowledge. A gemologist or a professional appraiser specializing in Asian art would be ideal. They can conduct tests such as a density check or use advanced methods like spectroscopy, which are more conclusive.
If the stone is confirmed to be jade, the value would depend on several factors: the quality (jadeite being more valuable than nephrite), color, translucency, craftsmanship, and overall condition. Assuming it is jade, and considering the craftsmanship and decorative wooden base, it could potentially be valued between $800 and $1,500, though this is a preliminary estimate. A confirmed jadeite piece of high quality could fetch higher prices, especially if it comes from a recognized region or period.
For selling the piece, I would recommend approaching auction houses or galleries that specialize in Asian art. Platforms like Bonhams or Heritage Auctions have dedicated Asian art departments. Additionally, local antique dealers in Los Angeles, such as those on La Brea Avenue or in Chinatown, often have contacts with collectors interested in such pieces. Reaching out to the Asian art departments of local museums may also lead to helpful recommendations.
Thanks so much David! You have been very helpful to myself and mother.
How might we determine whether the cat is made of jade or not? Would a jeweler be able to make that determination? If not, what are our options? Also, how much would the cat be valued at if the stone was indeed jade? How would you recommend selling the cat? Do you know of any antiques dealers in the Los Angeles area that specialize in Asian art that might be able to assist us further?
Thanks so much for your help!