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Subject:QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Bill H Sat, Dec 31, 2022 IP: 64.187.128.166

I'm still trying to take care of loose ends in my collection, including jades. This is an apparent example of a belt buckle in the treasured feicui jadeite (翡翠玉) of the Qing dynasty. It measures about 2" wide by 1.5" high by 0.75" at the center. has successfully passed the scratch test with carbon steel. I believe I bought it from a peddler in Rangoon (Yangon), who's sources included Chinese jade smugglers moving down the WW-II era Burma Road from Kunming, Yunnan. Anyone think the bright green isn't natural. I've attached three images of the piece and an image link to an example in the NY Met museum for comparison.

Best regards and thanks,

Bill H.









Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Mark Adams Sat, Dec 31, 2022

Hi Bill H,
Its nearly impossible to determine if jadeite jade is dyed/treated by way of image's.
A UV test should be sufficient. If it lights up like a Xmas tree then it's treated.
Unfortunately this carving is not from the Qing period. It's later. Possibly later Republic period.
I see tooling marks consistent with modern drill.
Regards,
Mark@imperial

Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Sat, Dec 31, 2022

Hi Bill H
As far as I can see from your photos, all of those stones are natural in color.
If you still remember the flashlight test. .if not, give me a shout
[email protected].
regards
Ernest

Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Bill H Sun, Jan 01, 2023

Mark and Ernest, I greatly appreciate the advice and dating info provided. I think I may have some UV bulbs around the house and if not can buy them at the corner grocery. Will report test results.

May you both have a Fortune-filled & Happy New Year

(Gongxi Facai Xinniankuaile - 恭喜發財新年快樂)

Bill H.


Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Bill H Sun, Jan 01, 2023

Here are front & back views under UV lighting. Nothing glowing as far as I can tell.

Best regards and thanks again,

Bill H.





Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Bill H Tue, Jan 03, 2023

Thanks again Ernest for that personal message, which I hope these additional photos of the buckle with background backlightung are responsive. Still cant see anything resembling a telltale glow.

Many further thanks,

Bill H.





Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Mark Adams Tue, Jan 03, 2023

Thank you Bill H.
Judging by the UV said is highly probable to be natural and not treated.
UV Test is a good indicator but not conclusive.
Since about 2005 the Chinese have started using treatments/other that cannot be detected by UV test.
Regards,
Mark@imperial

Subject:Re: QING PERIOD FEICUI JADE 翡翠玉 BELT BUCKLE DYED OR NATURAL?
Posted By: Bill H Tue, Jan 03, 2023

Thanks, Mark. This buckle and most of my other jade pieces predate, 1993, when I retired from the Foreign Service after almost 20 years in Asia.

Cheers,

Bill H.


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