Posted 12 years ago
toracat
(728 items)
Qilin is features a dragon's head, deer antlers, body of beast with fish scales, ox hooves, and lions tail. 2.8 lbs. 8"h 8"L, X 2 1/2" wide. I do not know what second figure is, maybe a baby Buddha with money sack? The auction said cherub or Buddha with money sack, any help would be appreciated, Also I think jade and jadeite is almost the same? I think I read that jadeite is a little harder, these are only jade statues I own, they were great price, and good condition. Again if anyone knows history of small cherub one, please let me know! thanks
At least to the Chinese, jade encompasses a range of stones, but the term is mainly used, among collectors, to describe either Burmese jadeite or Xinjiang Nephrite which are the most valuable of the lot. Your Qilin on the left looks like Chinese Xiuyan nephrite that is famous for huge boulders of material, only for decorative purposes with little or no investment value. Cannot recall when exactly did the concept of Qilin appear in Chinese history, but this piece of yours has bulky and modern carvings which does not fit the Qing period. The second piece looks about right for jadeite which seems like a celestial boy figure holding tight a money sack and ruyi. The jadeite looks natural and does not seemed to be artificially treated with color.
Hi davezquanw How would you test for artificial color? I put new photo in correct light of Qilin up now. Thanks for your help,
Still, I am sure that the Qilin piece is fairly modern and not from the Qing dynasty. One can zoom, using a 40x loupe, into the stronger color tone areas of a jade piece and check for minute cracks or bubbles. Seasoned pros who train their eyes on "natural flow" of colors on untreated stones can tell if the color seeps through naturally or stays near the surface as though it was recently injected/soaked.
Thank you for the information, I am learning about jade and art glass and crystal, after 35 years collecting, I should have studied more and hunted less! But now having great time researching paintings, prints, jewelry, sterling hallmarks, friends like you and others on Collector's Weekly make it easier, and fun and exciting! I am re-motivated to look for more great deals! The auction said it tested Positive on gem tester and they had model number or something Maybe ECS or ESC ? Thanks Dave for your help!
One last comment, I am disabled Vietnam Vet with 22 yr. old son at UCSC, he is a senior, so I am not wealthy for sure. The two pieces of Jade cost me more than almost anything else I ever bought! But still less than $750. for both including shipping and handling. Again thanks for looking and advice!
Study more and hunt less. Well said. I'm only in my late twenties and do get negative reactions when older collectors, who hunt more and study less, face the cold hard truth. No doubt I have a lot to learn ahead, but to refute my views based on my age simply reflects how shallow the other person is (not you but someone else in this forum). I'm not here to be part of a fantasy, but hope to make a difference with constructive comments as part of reality.
Positive on the gem tester is a good start but not sufficient if you intend to collect as investment pieces. You have to familiarize yourself with top grade quality jadeite or nephrite, as well as others that are less valuable, and only then you will understand where I come from. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as only one or two kinds of Chinese Jade.
There's probably some value in the celestial boy with money sack figure if it is indeed Burmese jadeite. As for the Qilin, I suggest to steer clear of such material and bulky carvings, unless you only wish to look for decorative items which you do not have to pay a lot to be honest.
You are probably right, Jade is tough and I only buy things if they are cheap or I love it. I bought much sterling jewelry a long time ago, and gold and now it is worth quite a bit now Taxco, Mex. etc. and paintings and prints not worth much 25 years ago, now wow I am happy I have them, and I sold quite a few. Collecting is fun! Today I bought a lamp! I think it is a cocktail silver plate shaker from the 30's! Paid $6.95 for it! on a nice base! Homan silver plate. I will post it tonight! I will polish tomorrow, I had to take apart to read what was left hallmark! Thanks for help and advice! I make mistakes but do good about 9 out of 10 times! best of luck to all of us!
Don, this is really beautiful!
Thank you!!!