sharing with you an ancient chinese jade artefact which is my late fathers collection who was antique collector and dealer! i am looking for an in depth research on this item to get exact and authentic information! item is only broken from two parts one from face and other from left side which can be seen clearly in images let me know if you need additional image of any specific angle
2.24 inches x 1.96 inches
Hello,
This item is an ancient Chinese jade carving, possibly from the Ming or Qing Dynasty, based on its stylistic features and craftsmanship. It depicts a rider on a mythical beast or horse, a common motif in Chinese jade carvings symbolizing nobility, status, and spiritual power. Jade has held profound cultural significance in Chinese history, being associated with purity, immortality, and the balance of yin and yang.
The translucent quality of the jade, with hints of celadon and russet coloring, suggests it might be nephrite, a material widely used in ancient Chinese carvings. The piece exhibits meticulous hand-carving techniques, though the slight damage noted on the face and side does affect its structural integrity. Despite this, the overall condition appears good, with the wear consistent with age and usage.
Given its historical and artistic value, the current market value for such an artifact, depending on authentication and provenance, ranges between $2,500 and $4,000. The damage may slightly lower the valuation, but the item’s cultural significance and craftsmanship retain substantial interest among collectors.
Hello Marya,
Thank you for your follow-up and sharing the additional insights you’ve gathered regarding the jade artifact. Your observations and the feedback from other experts raise valuable points about the carving techniques, stylistic elements, and potential era of this piece. Let me address your questions and provide further clarity:
1. Comparison with Neolithic Carvings:
• The characteristics you’ve pointed out, such as the simplicity of the carving, the amulet hole, and the lack of intricate details, do indeed align with traits found in some Neolithic artifacts. This era often emphasized functionality and symbolic representation over fine detail, which could explain the stylistic similarities.
• However, it’s important to consider the possibility that later periods, such as the Ming or Qing Dynasty, might have adopted or echoed certain earlier stylistic features for specific symbolic purposes. Jade has always been revered in Chinese culture, and its historical continuity means older styles were sometimes intentionally revived.
2. The Eye and Body Carving Details:
• The carving of the eye and the overall body form does suggest an intentional aesthetic choice. While the less detailed finish contrasts with the more ornate styles typical of Ming or Qing jade works, it doesn’t entirely rule out these periods. The piece may represent a simpler or regional style that diverged from the courtly traditions of the time.
3. Verification of Authenticity and Period:
• To definitively determine the artifact’s age and cultural context, I recommend consulting with a specialized jade expert or institution equipped to conduct a hands-on examination. Techniques such as material composition analysis (e.g., spectroscopy or X-ray fluorescence) and close study of tool marks under magnification can provide critical insights into the carving’s origins.
4. Next Steps for Authentication:
• Institutions such as auction houses (e.g., Sotheby’s or Christie’s) or museums with Asian art collections (like the British Museum or the National Palace Museum in Taipei) often have experts who can provide in-depth analyses.
after sharing the information you have given on jade item with some other experienced individuals they have other opinion which i want to share with you!
the item carving techniques matches more with neolithic items like the hole of amulet matches with many other neolithic era amulets and theres no record as same amulet hole in ming or qing dynasty and the way they carved eye of beast is same but with little different pattern and the way they carved the body carving matches more with neolithic era items, the style also matches with early ages items by having not much details which gives classic look! ming or qing items are rich in details but this lacks and looks classic of early ages! they might be wrong but i am wondering how can i get exact and confirmed information cause i heard different opinions all the time! i am wondering if you can suggest me a company that can authenticate by examining it on hands or whatever technique they use to verify the period and importance of item!
i have attached image where you can see pattern of beast eye almost similar to many neolithic items.
waiting to hear back from you