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Dear sir:
Would like to know more about age, style, etc, of these jades.Approximate Size of jar is : Height 9.90", Width 4.72", Depth 2.91. Approximate Size of the beast: Height 3.25", Width 5.47", Depth 1.82" . Thank you

Tha beast pics

I believe both of these are modern pieces as they have no place in the archaeological record. First the vessel which copies a bronze original and does not exist as a bronze age example in stone. Later stone carving of say the Song dynasty and later would not have created such a simplistic design on the body of the vessel or kept to strict archaism. The tally is copying a QIn dynasty or later brinze tally used to ensure the validity of Imperail messages - the two halves fit together in specific bronze examples - one half to be given to either side of an endeavour. Again there is no precedent for a stone example, nor would a stone example make any sense.


Anthony M. Lee
Asian Art Research

Hello,
I now own this jade tally. The 2 parts that come apart and back together like a puzzle. Is it still your opinion that this is fake? I haven't been able to verify its authenticity, but I have had it for quite some time, thanks.

I was viewing the jade beast tally and was totally shocked that it is -or resembles- mine so closely. I have looked around for information regarding jade tallies and they do exist, but in rarety. Since I know nothing of antique jades I wouldn't even know where to begin with a question. This could even be the tally I own..

Made from serpentine dipped in acid . These types of fakes are the cheapest and easiest to tell from genuine nephrite antiques.

Hello,
Thank you for your reply. Isn't serpentine softer than nephrite? I used the scratch test and the stone had a silver mark from the knife, but no scratch. When I took it to a gemologist, she also stated that the stone was more likely nephrite, because of the stones growth pattern. She looked at it through a microscope. She also stated that nephrite was a lower quality gemstone as opposed to jadeite. Of course she didn't know the history of these older carvings. Again, I still haven't found anything on the jade tally, so it probably is fake.

Hi Maria, serpentine has loosely bound termolites which are fibrous bundles of silicates. They are dangerous if you inhale it as it can cause mesothelioma same stuff as found in asbestos. I wouldn't be scratching it too much. the material is dull and and doesn't have the same reflective index as nephrite or jadiete. take it to a reputable auction house and let them explain it to you.

Lee is absolutely correct, there are many large "carvings" like those on the market, some even with "appraisals" of around $35000.- to $50000.- Of course, the seller will give you a "good deal"
Ernest

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