Types of Antique Jade Vases
Written 7 May , 2010
The Chinese regard Jade as a stone that descended from heaven. Its hard and cool texture as well as the translucent colors is highly valued. Jade is a hard stone and it is extremely difficult to carve anything out of this stone. However, the craftsmen of China have developed and perfected the art of carving both huge and intricate ornaments, and jewelry from Jade.
The art of jade cutting and carving is a meticulous one and an apprentice usually spends up to seven years in order to master the art. Jade as a gemstone can be categorized into two: the Jadeite Jade, and the Nephrite Jade.
Jadeite jade is the more precious and jewelries made out of it hold its own among diamonds and pearls. The highest end jadeite is in bright imperial green, evenly colored and purely saturated.
Nephrite jade on the other hand appears to be waxy green as opposed to the translucent shade of the jadeite. Nephrite jade is most often used for big pieces such as vases and religious carvings.
The Jadeite is most often used for small intricate ornaments and jewelries. Big pieces Jadeite such as jade vases are very few. It is also important to note, if you are keen on collecting jade pieces that China discovered jadeite only in the 19th century. So if you are offered a 400 year old jadeite piece, you know that it is a fake.
The best quality Nephrite can be had in antique jade vases. For thousands of years in the past, the Chinese people have used jade as a symbol of status and rank in the Chinese society. In the current times, jade is still a symbol of wealth and is regarded as lucky. Thus, many wealthy Chinese families display huge jade vases in their living rooms and reception areas, both as a status symbol and for luck. The Chinese are also very fond of giving jade articles as gifts for good luck.
Antique jade vases are differentiated according to the period that they were produced. If you are seeking rarity and age, then jade vases from the Neolithic age is a wise choice. These pieces fetch a very high price in the market so these are very good investments. If craftsmanship and a very refined carving catch your fancy, then vases from the Zhou and Han dynasties will most likely suit you well. Antique pieces can be very hard to find nowadays with china now enforcing its National Antique Law. The Law makes it unlawful to bring an antique piece out of the mainland.