Nephrite Jade "Mutton Fat" Plaque, 19th Century Certified

Elegant, rare, and dating to the late Qing period (circa 1890s), this hand-carved nearly colorless white nephrite plaque has been etched on both sides. One one, the Chinese mythological figure known as Zhang Guo Lao is depicted riding a mule. On the opposite side, a magpie sits on a branch of cherry blossoms. The magpie is associated with intelligence. The carving is breathlessly simple and excellent; the work executed -of course- without the aid of electricity or modern tools. Measuring 42.54mm x 29.92mm, the plaque has a hole drilled through the center, which is original to the piece. A silver bail is threaded through the hole and a pair of beads -black jade and coral- reside at the bottom. The jade plaque hands from a 1920s silver chain that is 32" in length. Prior to the discovery of and appreciation for the very fine green jadeite from Burma, colorless, opaque, pure white nephrite jade from the Northern mountains of China was the most revered jade; the original "imperial jade, as only members of the royal court could wear or even touch it. Most of what is commercially sold today as "mutton fat...

This succulent highly translucent reddish-orange jade pendant was hand-carved in the middle of the previous century (circa 1970s) and depicts peaches, long a symbol of longevity. The...

This master piece is certified natural nephrite jade "Mutton Fat Jade" by two different labs! One certificate is from Xinjiang China the birth place of...

A STATEMENT piece for your consideration. The pendant is certified natural nephrite jade. It can be worn using both sides for two different looks. This jade is very well carved and well hollowed. On one side you can see a dragonfly and a flower and on the other is a butterfly and a flower. This well hollowed carving is not easy to do. In fact it is very difficult to do to this high standard. The Hetian nephrite jade pendant is close to being pure white. Hetian jade has been famous for thousands of years. People would wear Jade to ward off evil and to bring good luck. The carving is very fine and detailed. You will not find another piece like this. The actual piece looks much better than any photos we can take. This will be a great addition to any Jade collection. You will get non stop compliments. The jade carving weighs about 55grams, which includes the colorful bead necklace...