Light Green Jade Horse

[txpollock]

I have this Jade Horse that I have been unable to get any info on.  The dimensions are 7"HX10"WX3.5"D.  The statue weighs 8.4 lbs and sits on a wooden base that measures 1"HX10.5"WX4"D.  If anyone can point me in the direction to get someinformation on this item, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

[KC]

Hi txpollock!

just wondering if your item is jade or green sandstone? 

Here is one that is similar....but the color difference is very distinct.....
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://photos.liveauctioneers.com/houses/nistradingco/19099/3018_1_lg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6470629&usg=__4pb032-Cb13SrUxCcW3CIlR1iyw=&h=399&w=600&sz=37&hl=en&start=6&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=bEi2bQTlWXeGtM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcarved%2Bjade%2Bhorse%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1

[txpollock]

I believe it is jade.  The man that gave it to my daughter bought it at an auction and it was said to be jade but how can I determine if it is indeed?  It has the basic look of jade but I'm no expert. It is very smooth & not at all grainy, if that helps at all.

Thanks,

[txpollock]

Here are some more pictures closer up.

[sapphire]

Side by side..........





My uneducated guess would be a reproduction. No clue about types of stone.

[sapphire]

May be eating my words now.

Found these.............(though none are the size of your horse)

"SONG DYNASTIES WHITE JADE RECUMBENT HORSE
Finely carved, Song dynasty white jade recumbent Horse ready to rise. Carving has surface ware with nice details. The heavy infiltrated Jade material is translucent, with extensive honey color inclusions.
Measures 4 1/2 inches 11.4 cm. Length"



"SHANG DYNASTY WHITE JADE RECUMBENT HORSE
Nicely carved, Shang Dynasty white calcified jade recumbent horse Carving has surface ware and good detail. The infiltrated Jade material is totally calcified. Measures 8 1/2 inches 21 cm.Length"



"SIX DYNASTIES CELADON JADE RECUMBENT HORSE
Finely carved, Six Dynasties Celadon jade recumbent Horse. Carving has surface ware with nice details. The heavy infiltrated Jade material is translucent, with white inclusions brown veins.
Measures 4 1/2 inches 11.43 cm. Length"



So I'm sure there are many more out there.

This last one, though different in style, appears similar in color to yours.

"SIX DYNASTIES CELADON JADE MYTHICAL HORSE .
Finely carved, Six Dynasties celadon jade mythical horse. The infiltrated Jade material is translucent with  extensive brownish russet inclusions and veins. Sculpture has surface ware and is finely detailed with beautiful form. Measures 6 1/2 inches 16.3 cm length."



Now that I have proven I haven't got a clue about this I'll step away and let more knowledgeable folk chime in.

[txpollock]

Thanks for the info Sapphire...I appreciate your effort.  That's what I found when I did some research....that there are several and they all look different.  That's why I posted here....with hopes that someone could help me authenticate if possible.

[sapphire]

tx, are those markings on the rear hooves?  One appears to be either an 'N' or 'Z'.  Might be another lead to follow, especially if there are others as well.

[txpollock]

the markings are 17 on the left hoof and Z on the right hoof.  17-Z is also on the underside of the wooden base.

[sapphire]

I think I would have to say a reproduction then tx. With English letters/numerals it would have to be a 'recent import' or 'locally' produced. 

[KC]

Totally Agree.

Here's an interesting site to tell if it is true Jade. http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-Jade-Is-Real

[luxetveritas]

Even at auctions you can often find pieces that are "jade" but not really. I've learned that the hard way a few times Watch out for fakes, as well. 99% of Chinese "antiques" pieces are forgeries. If you take the pictures Sapphire posted, for example, you will note they are all fake (although they might indeed be jade). Best to take it to a gemologist or another specialist, but for now I'd say it is a reproduction (especially if that's the original base).

[txpollock]

Thanks KC...I'll check that out!

[fancypants]

My two pennies goes something like :

Ancient/antique asian jade carvings tend to be a bit more suggestive of details - lots of skill/artisrty by the maker .

More modern carvings tend more towards overtly detailing some figures , without having a 'balanced' and more unified idea behind subjects that are carved .
A 'for instance' , in this case , would be to view the various details of the horse head , mane & tail .

All I'm really saying is that the eye can discern the diff between artistry & craftsmanship .

The question of 'is this jade' , I think is best dealt with in person ... perhaps you could take it to a local jeweler , for a quick look-see .
They'll be able to tell you if it's jade pretty quickly (or at least make a well-informed guess) .

Current definitions of "Jade" can vary quite a bit by product/region/color &/or salesman !

[luxetveritas]

Exactly, Fancypants. Completely agree with everything you've said. If you do a quick search for "Hongshan" jade on ebay and then on the Christie's past auctions page, you will see some market differences.