Pair of large antique Chinese Carved Nephrite Pixiu
We believe they are rare hand carved nephrite Chinese pixiu possibly from the Qing or Han dynasty. They are mirror images of each other with surface carved coins and dragons on their chests , shoulders, backs, heads, tails and flanks. The female has two horns while the male has one. The nephrite is dark green mottled with black and striated somewhat with brown. The underside is black, perhaps waxed. The left ear of the male has a small chip and 2 of his feet have minor damage as if he has been yanked off a base to which he was attached. This pair could have been standing guard by a door . We were told they were stolen from a palace during the “ Rape of Nanjing” and arrived in Canada( via Japan) where we purchased them in 2010 from an antique store in Vancouver (Steveson).
They measure 10” h x15”l x5” w and each weigh 22lbs.
Gallery/Dealer
Yes
Hello, this item is a pair of large carved nephrite jade Pixiu figures, each measuring approximately 10 inches high, 15 inches long, and 5 inches wide, with a substantial weight of 22 lbs each. The figures are finely detailed with raised relief carvings of dragons and coins on the shoulders, flanks, and tails. The coloration—dark green with black and brown mottling—suggests high-quality nephrite, though confirmation would require gemological testing. The creatures follow traditional Chinese iconography, with the female depicted with two horns and the male with one, a common convention in Pixiu sculpture. The mirror-image composition indicates intentional pairing for symbolic guardianship.
While the stylistic elements reference Qing-period decorative tradition, including the use of auspicious motifs and exaggerated musculature, the workmanship and proportions suggest a 20th-century production inspired by earlier forms. Claims of origin during the Han or Qing dynasties, or provenance tied to looting during the Rape of Nanjing, should be treated with caution unless supported by independent documentation. Similar pairs of nephrite guardian figures of this scale and quality, when verified as antique, can command $10,000–$20,000 at auction.
