Small carving, believed to be nephrite or jade
The dimensions are on the bottom of the picture
Hello, this item is a small carved figure representing a mythological winged creature with a human-like face, drawing loosely on East Asian decorative motifs but executed in a simplified and stylized manner. The material shows a mottled reddish brown coloration with darker veining, and the surface lacks the dense, waxy translucency and internal fibrous structure expected in jade or nephrite. Instead, the appearance is consistent with a carved and possibly dyed hardstone such as soapstone or serpentine, or even a resin-based imitation produced for the decorative market. The carving style, including the soft detailing and generalized anatomy, supports a modern decorative production rather than a traditional or period jade carving.
From a market perspective, small carvings of this type are widely available and valued primarily for their decorative character rather than material or historical importance. With a size of approximately 7 cm in length and no identifiable maker or provenance, the value remains modest. Comparable pieces typically sell between $20 and $70 USD depending on condition and visual appeal.