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Hi All,

A heavy brass tray with extensive micro engravings depicting Pixiu and Phoenix surrounded by clouds and a lotus, green and white jadeite cabochon mounted the corners. Lotus and vine decorations fill out the rounded rim. Each cabochon is decorated with the same five petal flower. The stones have a low sheen with some inclusions and cracks among them

In a count of the smallest chisel marks in the patterns, the round ones which fill the background, there are approximately 35 per inch or 2.54 cm.

Hoping an expert might be able to date the work, or provide images of similar examples along this theme.

L: 10 1/4"; 26 cm

Thank you for looking

Best,

Kevin

Hi Kevin,
Based on poor images I believe it's highly probable to be low grade jadeite jade.
As to the age of the tray it's difficult to determine because your images are not clear enough.
However my first impression was 20th Century.
Regards,
Mark@imperial
Adams Asian Art

Hi Mark,

as always, very grateful for your very broad attempts here! regrets for the quality of the photos. the lighting was altered as one can see in the 2nd and 3rd photos to show the details better in enlargements which cant possibly be seen in the 1st.

yes, the quality of at least two of the cabochons was a given by the inclusions and cracks found among them as mentioned. However, use of exotic low quality stones would not match up w/ high quality detailing of the engravings that makeup the work.

however, in a study of the extensive use of micro detailing to enhance the imagery, by even the quickest comparisons of what can be found on the web, the tray should be earlier that what you might have guessed. hint, there is no blank space here. these chisel marks are smaller deeper and better defined than what may have guessed by your first impression.

The golden tone of the patina - first photo should indicate older than Republic. low sheen on the jadeite? maybe the same as opposed to "carved" stones with a high sheen.

Best,

Kevin

adding two new photos which should provide more detail of the imagery taken from different camera angles and lighting than the above. Also providing the weight detail below. And in a conversion of the small round chisel marks which fill up the background detail as mentioned above, there are 13-14 of these marks per cm.



W:17oz; 482g

Thank you

According to the Gemological Institute of America(GIA) website, the major port city in China of Guangzhou has been a hub in jadeite trade since the 1660's. While it is generally understood that the most precious stone of this category known as imperial green jadeite first became available in China at the end of the 18th century.

Of special interest in the imagery is the appearance of the European-style structure and the wisps rising above it, pointing upward toward Pixiu and the Phoenix. The Jesuits were welcomed in China by the Qianlong Emperor(Reign 1735-1796) where their presence had a major role during parts of his reign in fostering cultural exchange between the East and West. One group among the order referred to as the Figurists was engaged in translating Chinese classics including parts related to mystical creatures into Latin as part of their effort to promote their beliefs among the populace. As their influence waned, only a few members of the order were present by 1775.

Hi All,
w/ my regrets, in a correction to the above, the rendering is that of a phoenix and a four clawed dragon with its long snake-like body, rather than Pixiu as first thought.
and maybe significantly, the first of the two photos below shows all four of what might be described as oblong-shaped cloud rings which go around the length of the dragon's body. And separately there is a fifth and round ring around it which is just below the head of the dragon

adding also a photo highlighting the flaming pearl that's between both creatures. the photo shows special lighting was used to draw attention to the pearl in the photo w/ the head of each creature pointing in its direction.

thank you

Kind regards

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