Jade is a gemstone with an extremely lengthy heritage. During the Stone Age, jade was carved in China and Europe to create a range of objects from weapons and tools to important ritualistic pieces. Prized for thousands of years, it has been carved to create curious objects, religious symbols, jewellery, and even used in medicine.
Formed deep underground, jade is found in alluvial deposits worldwide. However, the term jade encompasses two distinct forms - jadeite and nephrite. The majority of historic jade objects were made from nephrite, as jadeite has only really been used since the late 18th century, when commercial mining began in Burma.
Most people know jade as a green stone, and often the most highly prized colour of jade is a rich green. But, did you know that it comes in other colours too? It can range from white, which is sometimes called mutton fat, to orange, lavender, yellow and even black.
Jade is a very tough gemstone, hence its suitability for carving. The toughness comes from the polycrystalline nature of the mineral. In addition, it is highly durable and can keep a sharp edge, which made it a perfect material for tools and utensils.
In ornamental objects and in jewellery, jade is often formed into or carved with common themes or symbolic motifs. For example, a peach signifies immortality, a bi (a flat disk with a hole to the centre) symbolises heaven, and a dragon alludes to power or prosperity.
Chinese Celadon Jade Inscribed “Luohan” Boulder - Sold for £88,000 plus buyer's premium
Two years ago, Tennants were instructed to sell a remarkable jade object, a Chinese Celadon Jade Inscribed “Luohan” Boulder from the Qianlong reign, which was 20cm high and depicted the Buddhist sage or monk Ańgaja in a grotto. Dating from the 18th century, it was sold with provenance from one of the most renowned dealers in Asian Art in London in the form of the 1950s purchase receipt. The £88,000 hammer price demonstrates how desirable jade objects can be on the open market.
Art Deco Jade and Diamond Brooch - Sold for £1,800 plus buyer's premium
An array of beautiful jewellery made with jade has been sold over the years Tennants, including outstanding Art Deco pieces and those made by great makers such as Cartier. One notable recent sale was an Art Deco Jade and Diamond Brooch that had been purchased from Liberty & Co. in 1931. As always, provenance is key, and the hammer price of £1,800 was aided by the original purchase receipt that was included with the lot. The jade plaque depicted a chilong, a type of hornless dragon, which symbolises dignity and protection.
Jade Bracelet - Estimate: £600-800 (plus buyer's premium)
Hailing from the same vendor is a Jade Bracelet (estimate: £600-800 all figures exclude buyer’s premium), which will be coming up in the Jewellery, Watches and Silver Sale on 12th September. The bracelet features five oval jade cabochon polished plaques alternating with textured oval plaques overlaid with Chinese script. Like the brooch, it too is sold in a fitted case labelled ‘Liberty, London-Paris’.
Jade and Diamond Pendant - Estimate: £300-500 plus buyer's premium
Two pendants complete the jade offering in the September sale. A Jade and Diamond Pendant comprises a jade plaque that has a mainly white body, with a hint of green encapsulated in a peach motif, and a secondary pear cabochon jade with diamond details on the bale. It is offered with an estimate of £300-500.
Jade Pendant on Chain - Estimate: £100-150 plus buyer's premium
A slightly larger example of a Jade Pendant on Chain has more green in the body colour than the last. It features a central hole, with a foliate carving as a part surround. Symbols like this have been linked to divinity and fertility, and it carries an estimate of £150-250.
At auction, jade has a strong international following, and values are based on condition, colour and symbolism, but as with all items at auction, the ultimate hammer price is dictated by the bidding.
