WHAT: A Chinese Mughal-style celadon jade bowl that sold for $16,250 this fall at Doyle New York was described in the catalogue primarily for its color, rather than strictly by style. Smart collectors will note that this is a departure from most catalog write-ups, where maker or style matter most. Presale estimate for the 6 5/8-inch diameter bowl was $6,000 to $8,000.
Called a celadon bowl for the primary color of jade used, it is further said to have a greyish cast with faint chestnut color inclusions.
MORE: We’ve written before about the subtleties and nuances involved in grading Chinese wares. Here, fine carving includes a shallow foot carved as a four-petal flower whose leaves furl under to form the bottom surface. Note the rim and sides, with six acanthus leaf handles suspending loose rings and the interior centered with a mallow blossom.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Jade wares are ranked primarily by color. The variations seen in this bowl are desirable, rather than flaws.
HOT TIP: Traditional old jade wares are formed from nephrite. Later jade objects are jadeite, which is also a mineral, but jadeite is rarer and more valuable. To compound matters, many new jades are inferior or yet another matrix.
Determining quality and artistic appeal in jade objects is an area for experts. In sum, know your seller or check them out before you jump.
BOTTOM LINE: To this day, jade is the most prized commodity in Chinese history.
