Jade Buddha
12 inches tall
Hello, this item is a Chinese carved figure of Guanyin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, rather than a Buddha. She appears seated in a relaxed pose on a double-lotus pedestal and holds a small vessel, probably representing the vase of compassionate nectar commonly associated with Guanyin. The carving measures approximately 12 inches tall and uses a pale greenish material with extensive brown and honey-coloured veining. Although the object has been described as jade, photographs alone cannot confirm the material, and its colour distribution, opaque appearance, surface finish, and relatively soft-looking carved details suggest serpentine, soapstone, bowenite, or another ornamental hardstone made to resemble jade. No reign mark, inscription, workshop mark, provenance, mineralogical test, or laboratory report is visible.
The figure appears to date from the mid to late 20th century and was probably produced as a decorative export carving. The condition appears generally good, with no obvious major losses, although the photographs show surface wear, dark deposits within the recessed carving, natural fissures or veins, and possible small chips around the hands, garments, and pedestal. Its value depends heavily on confirming the stone, because genuine nephrite jade would carry a substantially higher value than serpentine or soapstone. Until professional testing confirms otherwise, it should be valued conservatively as a decorative Chinese hardstone Guanyin figure rather than as authenticated jade.
Fair Market Value: $150 to $350 USD