Antique Nephrite Jade Carving Toggle Phoenix Bird

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Antique Nephrite Jade Carving Toggle Phoenix Bird

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Sold Date: 02/11/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

Antique Nephrite Jade Carving Toggle Phoenix Bird

This carving was purchased in Hong Kong in November 1968 and came from my father's estate. He was a world traveler and avid collector of jade carvings and Chinese and Asian art.

A substantial piece of opaque nephrite jade in tones of light to medium celadon green and a small amount of light caramel brown. This carving is a representation of a seated phoenix bird ( Feng Huang ), which is symbolic of the Empress, beauty, prosperity, goodness and warmth. The top side of the carving presents with very good detail, especially on the wings and long tail feathers that end in a scroll pattern on either side. The head and neck are flat against the phoenix's back and turned toward the right wing. It holds a long-stemmed lotus blossom (leaf possibly but hard to discern) in its beak that drapes across the right wing. Visible on the top is a portion of lighter green jade that runs the length of the carving. It starts by the eye and beak and runs all the way down to the end of the tail feathers. A bit of natural pitting can be seen in the crook of the neck by the right shoulder as well. And a small amount of lighter jade with a hairline fissure is located on the outer edge of the left wing. The bottom side has less detail and is simpler overall; the tail feathers and legs and feet are visible. Also visible is a bit of the lighter green jade and a small white patch that may be calcite. A fine, hairline natural fissure is close to the right foot. At the breastbone and upper right wing area is some of the light caramel brown tone. On the opposing side, close to the left wing, are three very small specks of reddish-brown. A few more of these specks are located on the upper edge of the left wing. Also noticeable on the bottom side is the natural dip in this piece of jade that the carver worked around in creating the piece. Please refer to photo. The carving is in very good and has only two very small chips located on the edge of the tail feathers on the underside. A custom-made stand accompanies this piece for display purposes. (A small amount of Museum Putty is recommended to secure the carving in the stand.) If you have any questions about the carving, please email me prior to bidding. Serious bidders only. Thank you.

The carving measures 3 inches in length, 1-7/8 inches in width and 3/4 inch thick at the neck and breastbone. The stand measures 3/4 inch in height. Weight for the carving is 4.0 ounce and 0.8 ounce for the stand.

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