Posted By: Bill
Posted Date: Dec 27, 2009 (09:24 AM)
http://asianart.com/phpforum/index.php?method=detailAll&Id=27202
�Dear Robert
This rabbit can't walk!
I love it, it is a big and beautiful greeny white mutton fat nephrite. However, the color is uneven with too many viens. The ancient people will cut the ugly part off.The whole piece of stone can be use only few square inches for the ancient Chinese jade art.
The stone is already altered, before carving not after.The stone shape enforces the artistic expression is mostly found in Qing to modern. However, they were found in private collections claimed to be early Qing time and China Museums have none.
Bulky eye balls with Spearhead-like ears is of Neolithic to early Shang style. But I do not think that ancient people will carve that hare or rabbit without 4 legs. The jade bring luck but it must be perfect luck not disable luck, the rabbit can't walk. And "why rabbit?"
This piece is new for home-decor art, but the stone is beautiful.
For your consideration.
Best regards
Anita Mui �
�Robert,
This is an interesting carving. Did you do the usual scratch test, because as far as I can see, this is not jade, it could be soapstone. Please show the rabit from underneath.
Ernest �
�Robert...before you buy, give us the results of a scratch test, otherwise you'll never find out what it is.
Ernest �
�Ernest,
You were right on the mark. This is a soapstone carving. As the other poster stated: possibly a door stop. It's sort of cute but I chose not to buy it. Thanks,
Robert �
THIS SHOWS THE DANGER OF TRYING TO APPRAISE OR ATTRIBUTE THE MATERIAL AND AGE OF ANY �JADE� CARVINGS WITH LOW-RESOLUTION PICTURES ONLY. THAT IS WHY NOBODY SHOULD BE NAIVELY ENOUGH INTO BELIEVING THAT THEY CAN DO SO.
Have fun!!
Bill
