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I have this piece of JADE that I think is referred to as a tablet and it has 2 Characters on Each Side. They appear to be in different languages. Can anyone tell me what language they are in and what they say? I have been working on figuring it out myself for weeks, but am still stumped.

As far as the other aspects of the piece, I am currently unsure exactly what type of Jade it is, along with its purpose and age. I have tried looking at the Tool Marks as suggested, and have searched High and Low all over the internet for any other pieces similar to it. The one I DID find that was EXTREMELY close was being labeled as a Concubine Tablet.

Again, answers, or guidance as to where to find the answers are welcomed.

Thank you.
Mary Jo

Hi Mary Jo, thought Ernest and I had written you back on this piece. The two Chinese characters read "zhai jie" and refer to the practice of abstaining from eating meat during certain rituals. the other two characters are I believe stylized Manchu versions of the same expression, as the Manchus ruled China during the Qing dynasty and official documents were written in both languages. I don't know that this is an official anything though, but I think that's what the non-Chinese characters are meant to suggest.

Thank you for your feedback. Are you suggesting that this item may possibly by from the Qing Dynasty period?

no, I am saying that it's meant to convey the impression that it is Qing. Ernest knows much more about jade than I do, and he seems to think it's new, if I interpret his recent post correctly.

Just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your input in my process of investigation on this piece. It sold 2 weeks ago at AUCTION for $6700. The Buyer couldn't be happier.

http://asianart.com/phpforum/index.php?method=detailAll&Id=64793

This is from the Obama dynasty
Ernest

Thought I had better say this...
"Nice piece of jade, worth good money" (£300+)

Jealousy is a terrible thing, and this is far superior to "many peoples" jades ^^^^^

Why would anyone say this jade was from the Obama Dynasty? It was clearly from the Qing dynasty. Possibly Republic era. Definitely worth thousands.

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