Qing Dynasty Jadeite & Ancient Beads

Qing Dynasty Chinese jadeite jade carving set with ancient beads in 22k.

The large carving, at 8.5 cm long, delineates with grace the crane and a pair of bats amidst coins.

The long-bodied crane is beautifully depicted, as are the bats, whose Ruyi-like wings span the top half of the carving.

The diagonal splice in an asymmetric carving is extremely lovely, subjects come to life suggestively, the unexaggerated flair of past Chinese artisans following a more ancient eye.

Top diagonal section is ‘breathable’, hence revealing the translucent patches of green; while the bottom diagonal shows the richness of the jadeite.

The crane in saturated green jadeite is preserved to show expert bas-relief carving, because the green is intense but not swallowed by voluble shadows.

This Qing period carving is left with a Shou (longevity) signature at the back, the material left purposely primitive and tactile to touch.

The 24-inch necklace is a much older artefact, using ancient Burmese Pyu culture beads of about 2000 years.

Carnelian, agate, amethyst, quartz, garnet, jasper – symmetry (both sides) amid broken symmetry (assorted shapes, stones) places these Roman period beads in a desirable setting beyond one Qing carving.

The value of this piece is in both the carving and necklace. Time will construct the museum of such pieces.