Exquisite Group of Carved Nephrite Jade Buttons, Late Qing

Composed of twenty-one openwork nephrite jade buttons of translucent cream white colour and celadon tone, carved with floral, animal and insect motifs of various sizes, 10 nephrite jade buttons not illustrated.

Colour and Clarity: Based on random testing, two buttons are certified. According to the Jadeite Jade Testing Certificates, the carved buttons are natural, Nephrite Jade. Please refer to the certificates for details. In our opinion, all buttons are translucent, except one, all of cream white to very light celadon tone. The last one is of medium yellowish green with a few black inclusions. Upon strong illumination, there are cloud inclusions and a few buttons may have tiny nicks or chips on edges, not noticeable. Condition: These carved nephrites are dated back to late Qing period, probably used as buttons, decorations on traditional costume. Surface abrasions, commensurate with its age and use, overall in good condition. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that jadeite and rubies of Burmese origin and articles of jewellery containing jadeite or rubies of Burmese origin all less than 100 years old may not be imported into the US. The purchaser's inability to import any item into the U.S. or any other country as a result of these or other restrictions shall not justify cancellation or rescission of the sale or any delay in payment. Please check with the specialist department if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these import restrictions, or any other restrictions on importation or exportation.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificates numbered SJ 99336 and SJ 99338, dated 6 August 2014, stating that the buttons are natural nephrite jades.

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EXQUISITE NEPHRITE ACCESSORIES

China is one of the first countries to extract and utilize the jade material, which can be further divided into two categories, namely nephrite and jadeite. If we take all jade products discovered and unearthed throughout Chinese history into account, it is evident that nephrite was much more commonly found, and its presence could be dated back to more than three thousand years ago.

Nephrite is also known as zhenyu (true jade), originating from along Karakash River in southern Xinjiang, and also in the Kunlun mountains situated in the upstream of Yarkand River. The common colours found are white, green, yellow and black. Transparency is relatively low in nephrites, but they display a glassy, wax-like or greasy gloss; their texture is delicate, yet structure is solid, thus they are regarded as an excellent carving material.

Aside from larger ceremonial utensils, furnishings and ornaments carved out of nephrites, there are also a considerable number of small exquisite nephrite accessories. These sophisticated art pieces often depict wonders in nature, carved with flowers, birds, insects, together with auspicious shapes and symbols. Openwork techniques are also regularly applied, exhibiting not only the intelligence and skills of the craftsmen, but also the fine quality of nephrites with desirable thickness.

Creativity is apparent in the usage of these carved nephrite accessories: buyao and hairpins are set with nephrites of floral motif adorned by colourful gemstones and delicate metal work (Fig. 1), accentuating the soft white skin of it wearers; engraved pendants are sewn or attached to the waistbands of men in court, signifying their distinguished status and rank; sword accessories, belt hooks, carved sachets and lids of fine boxes (Fig. 2) are some other applications of nephrite craft; all of which reflect the importance of nephrite in the various facets of Chinese culture, politics and social etiquettes.