What is the difference between nephrite and jadeite?

Nephrite and jadeite are two distinct mineral species that share the common designation of jade. Nephrite is a calcium-magnesium silicate with a fibrous interlocking structure, making it exceptionally tough and traditional to earlier Chinese carving. Jadeite is a sodium-aluminium silicate that tends to be harder, brighter in colour, and more crystalline or translucent. Both materials were worked with great skill across different periods represented here.

How do I care for antique jade jewellery?

Antique jade jewellery, whether mounted in gold or worn as a beaded strand, benefits from gentle cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or ultrasonic machines, which can damage softer stones or metal settings. Store pieces individually to prevent hard jade from scratching adjacent items or softer gold mounts.

What are scholar’s objects?

Scholar’s objects are items created for the desk of a traditional Chinese literatus, including brush washers, water droppers, and mountain landscape sculptures. These pieces were designed to inspire contemplation, poetry, and artistic creation. Carved from jade or hardstone, they combine utilitarian function with refined sculptural symbolism.

How can I tell the period of a jade carving?

Dating jade relies on a combination of stylistic clues, such as the specific treatment of motifs like dragons or mythical beasts, alongside the tool marks and polish visible under magnification. Earlier Qing pieces often exhibit deep, confident undercutting and specific patination. Later Republic period and 20th-century items frequently show shifts in form, mounting styles, and brighter stone selections that reflect changing aesthetic demands.

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Chinese Carved Jade

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Chinese carved jade encompasses centuries of lapidary skill, offering collectors a rich variety of scholar’s objects, jewellery, and decorative sculptures.