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Subject:Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: Eric Fri, Jan 19, 2018 IP: 67.180.244.143

This auction company doesn't have the best reputation, however, I thought this carving they were selling was pretty nice. The jade has white with russet color / veining that's somewhat translucent. I have seen a lot of jade seals but not one quite like this. The dimensions: length and width are around 3 1/2 inches give or take. The height is a little over 3 inches. The carving is pretty skilled with lots of attention to detail.

The only thing I am having trouble with is determining the age. Anyone have any thoughts or expertise to be able to determine if this a more modern carving or an antique? There seems to be a little bit of dirt accumulation in the underbelly and mouth / face. Not sure if that was put there to deceive or just accumulated over time. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.






Subject:Re: Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Sat, Jan 20, 2018

Use scratch test to determine if it is Jade
This item has been dipped in some dye stuff to make it look old.
Ernest

Subject:Re: Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: Eric Sun, Jan 21, 2018

Tried scratching an area on the underside hard with a steal knife and it's definitely hard enough. No scratch marks or white scratch lines. If it was a different type of stone the only other type I can think of that may match some of the characteristics would be a white chalcedony, but usually with agates they are either more translucent and also have banding lines. I can definitely see how these pictures make it look as though there is artificial staining. When I look at up close in person it looks pretty natural and the colors run deeper than the surface. No blotchy blobs of color. I also tried spraying and scrubbing the areas that have the most saturation of russet colors hard with a white rag, and no orange dye on my rag. Whoever carved this had some skill even went through the effort of hollowing out and polish the underbelly of the dragon. Also the mouth cavity is hollowed out all the way to the back of the head almost an inch and a half. Being an amature jade carver myself I know getting in those nooks and crannies can be a pain and easy to make a mistake. Anyways, I don't know, maybe I just need to bring it in somewhere to be personally checked out.

Subject:Re: Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Mon, Jan 22, 2018

In this case you could let us know in which area you are located. That way someone could help you..
I am in Vancouver, BC Canada
Ernest

Subject:Re: Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: David Sun, Jan 21, 2018

Enrnst is right. Take a coin or knife and try to scratch that base. If it leaves a mark, move on as its soap stone. If it doesn't leave a mark then its Jade and I am not qualified to tell you what its worth. Best wishes....D

Subject:Re: Large white and russet jade seal
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Mon, Jan 22, 2018

Furthermore, the dye stuff has usually a water or
oil base, test accordingly
Ernest


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