Artistian Made Objets d'Art and Vertu

Skillfully carved with Hetian Jade, this boy dressed in a long robe crouches on an elongated lotus leaf mounted by a cricket. He grasps a basket with his left hand while another cric...

This elongated triangular jade mountain stands on a wooden lacquer base. On the mountain, there are a total of five monkeys: two playing, one resting, and two others at the mountain’s peak, seemingly about to descend to investigate what is happening. The stone’s side displays two bat Feng Shui symbols. (In Chinese, the bat is bianfu. Fu also means fortune.) There is also a magnificent pine tree with branches gracefully hanging down. The cut of the mountain rocks exhibits clean lines and a geometric quality, which is typical of the Qianlong period. Additionally, the monkey’s face shares similarities with Qianlong period jade monkeys...

This splendid carving of a recumbent mythical beast is a jade masterwork. The mythical beast raises its head, gazing upward and forward. The beast is poised as though ready for action, its powerful muscular legs supporting its weight. The large, round eyes widen, its eyebrow curving downward. The nose, straight and elongated, features round nostrils for breathing. The mouth opens, revealing well-aligned teeth and an outstretched tongue. The creature’s face exhibits a layered cheek structure, with three tiers of carp gills. A finely incised beard adorns its jaw; under the chin, a meticulously crafted goatee adds to its mystique. Behind the head, three branches of deer horns curve downward, their decorative patterns enhancing the beast’s regal appearance, with elongated tear-shaped ears on each side of the horns. The tail of this mythical creature resembles that of a carp, gracefully curving toward its body. Each foot bears four claws, firmly planted on the ground. In Chinese, deer is pronounce lu, which is also the sound of a word that mean good fortune. Therefore, deer represent success and abundance. Deer also embody grace and gentleness. In folk culture, carp is associated with abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. Taoism regards the carp as a symbol of free-flowing life and constant change, representing the cosmic Tao. The stone is a greyish white color with warm russet veins. Dimensions Length 18 x Width 9.5 x Height 11.5 cm Weight: 4.2 lbs During the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong period, Emperor QianLong’s passion for jade and antiques led artists to create archaic jade art that revived the artistic heights achieved during the Han Dynasty. One similar example of an archaic Han mythical beast made during the Qianlong period was sold at Sotheby’s. More examples can be seen in the slideshow below (photos G and H). Photo G is from the collection of the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Provenance — purchased from a Florida antique...

Carved out of white and yellow-toned jade, this beautiful mythical beast rests on its four limbs like a lion in the Serengeti. Each limb is given finely-carved claws and a round pad on the paw. On its head, one can see intricately carved teeth, nostrils, a goatee, and a mythical cloud-like pattern above its eyebrows. Notably, there is a half-dome extrusion representing a third eye positioned between the eyes. Nine ridges of the spine run along the back with finely-carved fur on each side. The three-tipped tail curls up toward the head. Its surface is exceptionally polished with a patina. The bottom of the jade beast has multi-layered ivory-colored inclusions. Historical References: Compare this jade mythical beast to similar 18th century pieces from the Metropolitan Museum in New York. In this 18th century lion and cub, notice the similar shape of ears, hair and ridges along the spine, and the cloud-patterned eyebrows. The distinct ears of our jade beast can also be seen on this 18th century jade beast too. Pictures attached. In addition, please examine this 18th century jade lion...

A pale, greyish-white jade three-legged toad is depicted in a crouching position on leaves and fruits. The toad has bulging eyes, finely-detailed eyebrow hair, a small nose, and a wi...

This recumbent white jade beast has its large head turned to one side. The creature has large, tear-drop-shaped, bulging eyes framed by curling-down eyebrows. Notably, there is a ...

A resting horse has been carved from white Hetian jade. Its long muscular body rests on four bent legs, and the head is turned around. The mane is embellished with long striated lo...

This splendid carving of a recumbent mythical beast is a jade masterwork. The mythical beast raises its head, gazing upward and forward. The beast is poised as though ready for action, its powerful muscular legs supporting its weight. The large, round eyes widen, its eyebrow curving downward. The nose, straight and elongated, features round nostrils for breathing. The mouth opens, revealing well-aligned teeth and an outstretched tongue. The creature’s face exhibits a layered cheek structure, with three tiers of carp gills. A finely incised beard adorns its jaw; under the chin, a meticulously crafted goatee adds to its mystique. Behind the head, three branches of deer horns curve downward, their decorative patterns enhancing the beast’s regal appearance, with elongated tear-shaped ears on each side of the horns. The tail of this mythical creature resembles that of a carp, gracefully curving toward its body. Each foot bears four claws, firmly planted on the ground. In Chinese, deer is pronounce lu, which is also the sound of a word that mean good fortune. Therefore, deer represent success and abundance. Deer also embody grace and gentleness. In folk culture, carp is associated with abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. Taoism regards the carp as a symbol of free-flowing life and constant change, representing the cosmic Tao. The stone is a greyish white color with warm russet veins. Dimensions Length 18 x Width 9.5 x Height 11.5 cm Weight: 4.2 lbs During the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong period, Emperor QianLong’s passion for jade and antiques led artists to create archaic jade art that revived the artistic heights achieved during the Han Dynasty. One similar example of an archaic Han mythical beast made during the Qianlong period was sold at Sotheby’s. More examples can be seen in the slideshow below (photos G and H). Photo G is from the collection of the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Provenance — purchased from a Florida antique...

This sculpture is a large open work, carved with celadon jade in the form of lingzhi branches. The branches bear leaves, lingzhi, and flower buds. On top, a boy is stretched out and hanging on to the branches. The sculpture is a long triangular shape. The jade is mottled celadon with patches of honey-colored stone. There are two small chips at crown of flowers (lower right side at 1st image). Historical References Open works jade carvings were popular during the Yuan/Ming dynasty. Examples can be seen at Sotheby's, at Bonham’s, and at the MET in New York. Our piece was carved out of a large piece of celadon jade, which is similar to the green jade material of magnificent Head of a Horse at the V&A museum ( last image) Two examples of Ming Dynasty Jade...

A resting horse has been carved from lustrous Hetian jade with an even white color. The long muscular body rests on four bent legs, and the head is turned around. The mane is embel...

This recumbent celadon jade horse has its head turned backwards to look at a small monkey clambering up its hind quarters clasping the mouth of the horse. Its strands of hair are finely carved. This piece is a celadon jade carving with russet mottling and veining. Horse and monkey carvings...

This elegant smoky quartz crystal brush washer is in the shape of a goose, with its head turned to the side. The body of the crystal forms a cup adorned with archaic details. The cup...

Carved from pale celadon jade, this two-sided Ming Dynasty piece features a butterfly with curling, cloud-like wings and a grid-and-star pattern. Fine l...

Dimensions & Weight 4.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 cm 31.6 grams This archaic jade pendant features a mythical tortoise with a serpent in the center, encircled by a...

This pale celadon jade figure is a recumbent dog with its tail curled alongside its rear haunches. On the top is a decorative swirl and near the legs are fine carved details. It is well polished. It may serve as paperweight for the scholar's desk. It is also a wonderful display of Hetian Jade carving. The smoothly polished white jade is overall in excellent condition, with natural jade veins predominantly along the back and bottom of the dog. A similar jade dog...

Carved out of white and yellow-toned jade, this beautiful mythical beast rests on its four limbs like a lion in the Serengeti. Each limb is given finely-carved claws and a round pad on the paw. On its head, one can see intricately carved teeth, nostrils, a goatee, and a mythical cloud-like pattern above its eyebrows. Notably, there is a half-dome extrusion representing a third eye positioned between the eyes. Nine ridges of the spine run along the back with finely-carved fur on each side. The three-tipped tail curls up toward the head. Its surface is exceptionally polished with a patina. The bottom of the jade beast has multi-layered ivory-colored inclusions. Historical References: Compare this jade mythical beast to similar 18th century pieces from the Metropolitan Museum in New York. In this 18th century lion and cub, notice the similar shape of ears, hair and ridges along the spine, and the cloud-patterned eyebrows. The distinct ears of our jade beast can also be seen on this 18th century jade beast too. Pictures attached. In addition, please examine this 18th century jade lion...

A resting horse has been carved from white Hetian jade. Its long muscular body rests on four bent legs, and the head is turned around. The mane is embellished with long striated lo...

This fabulous beast with its head turned around has been carved out of a pale celadon hetian jade. The beast looks over its shoulder with shining round eyes. Its mouth is open, sho...

This ram, with its limbs bent in a seated posture, has detailed curly horns and holds lingzhi branches in its mouth. The eyes and mouth are finely carved. The back and legs display russet coloring. The ram, pronounced yang, shares the same sound as the yang in yin and yang. It is therefore a symbol of masculine power and positive force. The ram is also one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. In traditional Chinese medicine, the lingzhi was thought to regulate different bodily functions. It appears often in ancient Chinese jade carvings, and it represents well-being, longevity, and success. Other than a small indentation on the back, which may be natural, the ram in is in great condition. Similar Ming Dynasty Jade...

A resting horse has been carved from white jade with patches of russet. The long muscular body rests on four bent legs, and the head is turned around. The mane is embellished with long striated locks extending down the back of the neck, and the tail is rendered similarly. Note: Our light source makes some of the russet hues on the horse appear yellow; however, there is no yellow on the horse body, there is russet color on his hairs. A similar Qing dynasty yellowish jade horse...

This elongated triangular jade mountain stands on a wooden lacquer base. On the mountain, there are a total of five monkeys: two playing, one resting, and two others at the mountain’s peak, seemingly about to descend to investigate what is happening. The stone’s side displays two bat Feng Shui symbols. (In Chinese, the bat is bianfu. Fu also means fortune.) There is also a magnificent pine tree with branches gracefully hanging down. The cut of the mountain rocks exhibits clean lines and a geometric quality, which is typical of the Qianlong period. Additionally, the monkey’s face shares similarities with Qianlong period jade monkeys...

Brush rest carved as a slender lotus root with four nodes, with leaves sprouting at one end, a frog resting on the second node, this jade piece has an even white tone and is well-carved and polished. This brush holder is crafted from one of the purest white Heian Jade specimens...

This finial, meant to adorn a lamp or a piece of furniture, is composed of eight waving, interlocked lotus leaves. Black, greyish, and russet jade was popular during the Ming Dynasty due to the scarcity of jade sources. Artists used the available jade to create interesting art. The lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The lotus leaf finial represents the idea of rising above the murky waters of life and achieving a state of grace and beauty, unaffected by the surrounding muck. It’s a powerful symbol in both in Buddhism and Hinduism. Dimensions & Weight 5.0 x 5.0 x 3.5 cm 95.4 grams Provenance — purchased from a Danish antique dealer in 2017 Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to the condition and must understand that any statement made by Luxury Jewelry...

This recumbent celadon jade horse has its head turned backwards to look at a small monkey clambering up its hind quarters clasping the mouth of the horse. Its strands of hair are finely carved. This piece is carved out of Hetian jade with an even celadon color. Horse and monkey carvings...

The group is carved with a large ram resting with its hooved legs tucked under its body. One young ram rests on the large ram’s side, and another rests at its rear. Russet hues are s...

These elegantly formed chairs include arched, humpback top-rails supported on eight round posts extending to the back legs, with a matching series of five posts on either side bracing the arms. The arms step down and run parallel to the floor. The feet are joined by stretchers and a shaped foot-rail with a narrow apron. The chair rests on square legs. Due to its age, the original woven cane seat has been worn and removed. The listed item has no seat. Qing Dynasty chairs...

Thick and circular, this disc, carved out of white Hetain jade, displays different designs on its two faces. One face consists of four symmetrical divisions; in each division there a...

The two animals curling towards each other make a balanced, symmetrical piece, like yin and yang. The “mutton fat” white jade is highly polished. On one side, there is a very faint russet mark. Overall, this jade carving is in excellent condition. Similar jade carvings were sold at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, which can be viewed in the photos below. Another Qing Dynasty twin cat carving...

The two fish curling towards each other make a balanced, symmetrical piece, like yin and yang. They form a pendant that can be used as an ornament or toggle. The “mutton fat” white j...

This recumbent white jade beast has its large head turned to one side. The creature has large, tear-drop-shaped, bulging eyes framed by curling-down eyebrows. Notably, there is a ...

This sculpture is a large open work, carved with celadon jade in the form of lingzhi branches. The branches bear leaves, lingzhi, and flower buds. On top, a boy is stretched out and hanging on to the branches. The sculpture is a long triangular shape. The jade is mottled celadon with patches of honey-colored stone. There are two small chips at crown of flowers (lower right side at 1st image). Historical References Open works jade carvings were popular during the Yuan/Ming dynasty. Examples can be seen at Sotheby's, at Bonham’s, and at the MET in New York. Our piece was carved out of a large piece of celadon jade, which is similar to the green jade material of magnificent Head of a Horse at the V&A museum ( last image) Two examples of Ming Dynasty Jade...

A resting horse has been carved from lustrous Hetian jade with an even white color. The long muscular body rests on four bent legs, and the head is turned around. The mane is embel...

The figure of a young boy on top of a giant elephant has been carved with pale celadon jade. Its head and tail are turned to one side. Its trunk passes through the tusks and extends ...

Skillfully carved with Hetian Jade, this boy dressed in a long robe crouches on an elongated lotus leaf mounted by a cricket. He grasps a basket with his left hand while another cric...

This cicada, carved from russet Hetian jade is archaic, reminiscent of the style of Han Dynasty jade cicadas. This piece features the face of a mythical beast, with round, bulky eyeballs, curved eyebrows, a wide nose, and clean, neat lips. It has layered wings and two arms that are held out in front, with space between the arms and chin allowing a silk string to pass through. On its back, there are layered details near its tail. During the Han dynasty, jade cicadas were used as ‘玉含.’ It was believed that cicadas could help deceased people re-enter the next life cycle. Emperor Qianlong’s passion for antiques and jade led to the revival of Han Dynasty jade art. This jade cicada does not attempt to reproduce the shape of Han cicadas; rather, it invents a new shape that is closer to the natural look of a cicada, with a twist of archaic Han Dynasty jade art. The last image reference is the Ming Dynasty Jade...

Seated upright, the jade eagle is decorated with symmetrical curls on the wings and back. On the breast of the bird there are fine curved incisions. The eagle, with its strong brows and beak, is looking ahead confidently. This archaic piece represents Eastern Zhou Dynasty style eagles. The jade monkey is in a seated position with one hand held up to his ear and the other crossed in front of his body. The monkey is carved with wrinkles on his brow and a long, curling tail reaching upward on his back. During the Qianlong period, eagle carvings, usually paired with a bear, appeared on archaic jade carvings. Together the eagle and the bear mean “hero”. “Monkeys are symbols of longevity because they are believed to have the ability to live for a long time, Their name, hou, is a pun for marquess, so they are also symbols of high rank. Monkeys bring to mind the exploits of the monkey Sun Wukong...

This fabulous beast with its head turned around has been carved out of a pale celadon hetian jade. The beast looks over its shoulder with shining round eyes. Its mouth is open, sho...

This is a Hetian jade pendant of a mythical animal with a network of clouds above it. The animal appears to have a large head with tear-shaped ears, and curvy eyebrows. On its side...

This large disc has two finely carved dragons with flowing, cloud-like bodies. The two chilong heads rest on the central aperture. The underside is carved with rows of bosses. Hetian jade has a texture that resembles the effect of pouring water on snow. Xingjiang Hetian white jade with color of white ‘mutton...

This “Buddha’s Finger” fruit jade piece from the Qing Dynasty is naturalistically carved with curly tendrils, and hangs from a leafy stem. It is a pale white tone with spots of russe...

This archaic chilong disc, which is a revival of the Han Dynasty style, was carved with celadon jade in the Qing Dynasty. On the front, several chilong with curvy, sinuous bodies s...

This archaic jade pendant features a symmetrical pattern with two chilong whose serpentine bodies form a heart. On the top are two chilong heads, smiling and looking in opposite directions. The bodies of the chilong are detailed with intricate scales and cross-cross patterns. During the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong period, Emperor QianLong’s passion for jade and antiques led artists to create archaic jade art that revived the artistic heights achieved during the Han Dynasty. Among the accessories favored by nobility during the Han period were jade plaques. These flat, thin jade pieces often featured intricate carvings, including dragon and phoenix motifs. The term “鸡心佩” (jī xīn pèi) refers to a specific type of jade plaque with a shape resembling a chicken heart (hence the name). These plaques were considered auspicious and symbolized harmony and protection. An example of a Han jade...

This 19th Century green jade paperweight with a water dropper, 碧玉元宝水盂镇纸, features a yuanbao 元宝 shaped water dropper at the center, with rectangular spiral 回纹 patterns decorating the ...

Thick and circular, this disc, carved out of white Hetain jade, displays different designs on its two faces. One face consists of four symmetrical divisions; in each division there a...

The two fish curling towards each other make a balanced, symmetrical piece, like yin and yang. They form a pendant that can be used as an ornament or toggle. The “mutton fat” white j...

This large disc has two finely carved dragons with flowing, cloud-like bodies. The two chilong heads rest on the central aperture. The underside is carved with rows of bosses. Hetian jade has a texture that resembles the effect of pouring water on snow. Xingjiang Hetian white jade with color of white ‘mutton...

A pale, greyish-white jade three-legged toad is depicted in a crouching position on leaves and fruits. The toad has bulging eyes, finely-detailed eyebrow hair, a small nose, and a wi...

This pale celadon jade figure is a recumbent dog with its tail curled alongside its rear haunches. On the top is a decorative swirl and near the legs are fine carved details. It is well polished. It may serve as paperweight for the scholar's desk. It is also a wonderful display of Hetian Jade carving. The smoothly polished white jade is overall in excellent condition, with natural jade veins predominantly along the back and bottom of the dog. A similar jade dog...

The two animals curling towards each other make a balanced, symmetrical piece, like yin and yang. The “mutton fat” white jade is highly polished. On one side, there is a very faint russet mark. Overall, this jade carving is in excellent condition. Similar jade carvings were sold at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, which can be viewed in the photos below. Another Qing Dynasty twin cat carving...