Carved Antique Chinese Lavender, Apple Green Jade Gourd Pendant

Elegant, rare, and dating to the late Qing period (circa 1890s), this hand-carved nearly colorless white nephrite plaque has been etched on both sides. One one, the Chinese mythological figure known as Zhang Guo Lao is depicted riding a mule. On the opposite side, a magpie sits on a branch of cherry blossoms. The magpie is associated with intelligence. The carving is breathlessly simple and excellent; the work executed -of course- without the aid of electricity or modern tools. Measuring 42.54mm x 29.92mm, the plaque has a hole drilled through the center, which is original to the piece. A silver bail is threaded through the hole and a pair of beads -black jade and coral- reside at the bottom. The jade plaque hands from a 1920s silver chain that is 32" in length. Prior to the discovery of and appreciation for the very fine green jadeite from Burma, colorless, opaque, pure white nephrite jade from the Northern mountains of China was the most revered jade; the original "imperial jade, as only members of the royal court could wear or even touch it. Most of what is commercially sold today as "mutton fat...

This exquisite and rare black jade tablet dates to the Qing period. The Qing Dynasty period spanned the years 1636 -1912. Precisely dating jade artifacts...

High quality Antique Natural Jade Jadeite Carving; beautiful translucency, when held to the light, the carving shows off a subtle variation of soft gre...

This excruciatingly beautiful and spare hand-carved nephrite jade pendant was created during the Qing period, most likely in the late 1800s, however, it co...

Jadeite Jade carved palm stone. Dark to white green. GIA certified natural. 1 carved jade approx. 163.97cts. GIA Certified# 6224307578 Top to bottom: 43....

This large 1860's Austro-Hungarian antique cross pendant is set with many turquoise and garnet gemstones. The four cabochon cut garnet stones on front of the cross are all set in rai...

The Following Item we are Offering is a Rare Estate Museum Quality Large and very elaborately openwork carved, Hand Carved Green and Lavender Jadeite group, intricately carved as a c...

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

The “Modigliani” pendant is part of our jewelry line “Homage to the ancestors”, inspired by famous oeuvres of great artists. All our sterling silver pieces of jewelry are handmade: i...

The “Botero” pendant is part of our jewelry line “Homage to the ancestors”, inspired by famous oeuvres of great artists. Specifically, this pendant represents one the well- known Bal...