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Subject:Question about how jade is carved and determining age
Posted By: Tim Mon, Aug 04, 2014 IP: 172.56.0.164
I've read that jade was carved by using string and bamboo covered in filings of gemstone and/or metals to carve jade.
My question is, how much of the filings would you expect to see remaining in the crevices of the jade from the 19th c. versus 18th, 17th, or earlier?
The reason for my question has to do with a jade carving of Chin Chan (three legged toad) that I'm considering buying. Sorry, no photos.
The piece of jade measures about 3" long, 1.5" wide, and about 1" tall. The jade stone (pebble) has retained most of its natural shape, with the carving of the head/face, warts (rendered as rings throughout the body), and legs are done nicely. So, I think the artist deliberately carved the piece modestly to enhance the jade pebble. This is a good sign, right?
Close inspection of the carved areas (the crevices) with my jewelers loop of the carving shows filings that sparkle white under the light of my loop. This is from the remnants of the carving process, right?
So, while the carving looks delicate and pleasing to the eye, the color is very earthy and plain. The jade has a pale celadon color with russet over a portion of the head - kind of an earthy color quality to it. I shined a light behind it, it is translucent and I saw one area (other than the russet spot) where there was a light crystalline inclusion inside the jade.
I'm thinking it is an old piece, perhaps Ming dynasty rather than a Qing period piece, but given how abundant the filings appear in the crevices, I am just not sure. Would the carver take the time to remove the filings after the carving process?
I simply don't have enough knowledge or experience with jade, so I am asking if an expert might shed some light on how much 'sparkling' filings one should expect to see in the crevices of a 19th, 18th, 17th, and earlier piece of jade.
Thank you.
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- Tim - Aug 14, 2014 (07:44 PM) 
