Lavender jade Chinese sculpture
This sculpture is pale lavender Jadite measuring 4” x 4”.
I purchased this piece in Beijing in approximately 2003.
Gallery/Dealer
Maybe
A modern stone carving of most likely a baby buddha on a carp. A Ruyi scepter is visible, a Buddhist ceremonial object. Carving is machine made and details are not very well done. Made for decorative purposes. Stone type could be jade but also serpentine or other hard stone is a possibility. If you can not made a scratch in the material with a metal key or fork it is most likely jade. Modern jade is artificial colored in many cases to made the object more attractive. I think yours is also treated that way. Wooden foot is usually inlaid with silver threads.
I cannot proof that but 99% I see tested is dyed of modern jade is dyed. Thing is, if a good piece of jade is worked, usually the carving is much better. Lavender colored jade with these brown details are really expensive if natural colour. If you want to be sure try to get it tested in gemological laboratory. Its expensive ( $ 200 and up ) but then you know for sure. Be aware its almost impossible to buy natural jade of good quality in Beijing for that amount you paid. Its very popular in China and good pieces go for much more.
Regards,
Simon Breider
Thank you. I’ll look into having it tested.
Wow! I paid $400 for it at the now defunct jade market in Beijing likely towards the end of the 1990’s/ beginning of 2000’s. I cannot scratch the surface. Do you really believe it’s been dyed??