Jade is an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties, which feature prominently in ancient Asian art. The term jade is applied to two different minerals that are composed of different silicate compounds:
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Nephrite consists of a microcrystalline interlocking fibrous matrix of the calcium, magnesium-iron rich amphibole mineral series tremolite (calcium-magnesium)-ferroactinolite (calcium-magnesium-iron). The middle member of this series with an intermediate composition is called actinolite (the silky fibrous mineral form is one form of asbestos). The higher the iron content, the greener the colour.
Jadeite is a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The precious form of jadeite jade is a microcrystalline interlocking growth of jadeite crystals.
A pale green jade ‘Daoist Immortals’ plaque
18th/19th century
The plaque carved in low relief within a ruyi-shaped raised border with Li Tieguai, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi and Zhongli Quan conversing within a rocky landscape of pines and wutong, mounted as the hinged cover of a hardstone box.
5 1/8in (13cm) wide
Sold for US$ 4,000 (£ 2,869) inc. premium in 2015
A Chinese pale celadon jade box and cover, formed as a melon with a smaller fruit and foliage to the surface, 18th / early 19th century, 9.1cm.
Sold for 1,700 GBP at Barnabys in 2011
A WHITE JADE FINGER-CITRON-FORM BOX AND COVER
18TH CENTURY
The box and cover are carved as a finger citron borne on a leafy, gnarled branch. The stone is of even white tone.
3 1/8 in. (8 cm.) long
Sold for USD 27,500 at Christie’s in 2017
A Faberge-Style 14K Vari-Color Gold, Diamond, Spinach Jade, and Enamel Snuff Box, 20th century
Marks: (56)
1-1/4 h x 3-1/4 w x 2-1/2 d inches (3.2 x 8.3 x 6.4 cm)
Sold For: $5,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2018
Chinese White Jade Covered Box
Of square form with rounded corners, the lid carved in low relief with a pavilion terrace amidst jagged rockwork and pine, base incised with a two-character seal mark, the semi-transparent stone a grayish tone with light brown inclusions and specks of opaque white. Length 1 3/8 inches square.
Sold for $1,625 at Doyle New York in 2017
Indian nephrite jade box with gold, silver, and stone inlays. Mughal period (1526–1858) c18th–19th century
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A CELADON AND RUSSET JADE BOX AND COVER
QING DYNASTY, 18TH/19TH CENTURY
the box of circular form with straight sides and a slightly domed cover with the russet skin, the well polished stone of pale celadon tone, wood stand
Quantity: 3
5.5 cm, 2 1/4 in.
Sold for 3,250 GBP at Sothebys in 2017
