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Subject:Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: Maxxxxy Mon, Oct 30, 2017 IP: 2601:381:4202:8007:a

I have seen an almost identical piece identified as an archer's thumb ring. If so, this archer had a very large thumb. Does this sound correct? Or is there an alternate explanation for the piece? Made of translucent stone which appears to be nephrite jade.







Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: rat Tue, Oct 31, 2017

Not a thumbring, but (most likely a modern imitation of) an archaic ritual jade of similar form, such as this one from Max Loehr's collection: http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/jades-archaiques-de-chine-pf1627/lot.23.html

Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: Maxxxxy Wed, Nov 01, 2017

Thanks much for the link. As it turns out, after I posted the pictures I did turn up several examples of similar "horse hoof objects", including authentics, reproductions, and fakes. I'm guessing that the whitish surface finish on this scratch-tested jade piece has been artificially applied. Or is there a chance that this is a natural condition? Thanks in advance for any insights on this.



Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: rat Thu, Nov 02, 2017

Ernst Wilhelm among others has much more experience with jade than I do, but I tend to agree that the chances that this object has been treated to appear archaic are pretty high; it's become commonplace and there is a ton of treated stone masquerading as jade antiques.

Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: maxxxxy Fri, Nov 03, 2017

Thanks again! I really appreciate your interest and taking the time to respond.

Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: Stan Wed, Nov 15, 2017

If you want another for your collection, see this link:

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/a-chinese-yellow-jade-hoof-shaped-ornament-640416E8A7?utm_source=house&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=targetedexclusive&utm_content=mar111517

Cheers,
Stan

Subject:Re: Unidentified Stone Object
Posted By: Maxxxxy Thu, Nov 16, 2017

Interesting! As it turns out, mine is now sold. With no provenance, and with no claim of antiquity, it sold for $160 USD at auction. A very similar object listed as an antique archers thumb ring recently sold for ~$1,000.

Thanks!


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