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Re: Re: Re: Jade vases

Posted By: Bill
Posted Date: Dec 03, 2008 (10:00 PM)

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Hi, Patrick:

One time I was trying to ask forum members here to define "modern jades" or "modern jade fakes" but none could.

One guy at another jade forum says any jades that are less than 100 years old would be considered "modern".

I actually agree with your definition of modern and old jade carvings - by the carving techniques found on them.

However, you are missing something in your message regarding "old" jades.

Both new and old jades would be polished. I have no idea what "pounded" meant.

Manual tools and manual labor had been employed in the cutting, "carving" (you really could not carve jades) and polishing of jade carvings for many years in China. In early 60s, these manual tools were replaced by high-speed electrical cutting and polishing tools with high-hardness polishing paste. Very often by examining the tool marks, the carving techniques and the polishing surface of a jade piece, one may be able to tell if a jade piece is modern or not. However, to attribute an "old" jade piece accurately (as to its age or correct dynasty, etc.) is another matter and would take a real jade expert to do so. Most of the time, we cannot do so with pictures alone (not even high-resolution pictures).

I can only agree with you to a certain degree in that the only important factors for the value of a jade carving would be its quality (of jade) and it quality of carving. I believe its authenticity (and age) is almost more important than the other two, in a lot of cases.

Of course, a jade collector is entitled to his/her opinion. Very often, for some hetian jade carvings, the quality of jade material and that of caring are indeed the most important factor affecting their resale values.

You can post bigger pictures in this forum, just not in high resolution.

Bill

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