new objets d'art 2024

A Fantastic Jade

This remarkable celadon jade piece, originating from the Xinjiang region, is an exceptional example of Northern Chinese craftsmanship from the late 19th to early 20th century. Carved from a single block of jade, a precious stone with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, the sculpture demonstrates both technical mastery and the refined aesthetics characteristic of Chinese jade art.

The jade used here displays a silky, lustrous texture, often referred to as “mutton fat,” while retaining the luminosity that is typical of the finest Chinese jades. The work stands out with intricately carved details, such as elaborate chains and rings, all made from the same piece of stone, showcasing exceptional technical virtuosity. These suspended elements evoke lightness and fluidity, contrasting with the solidity of the material.

The artist skillfully incorporated the jade’s natural features, leaving visible brownish traces in certain areas, such as on the tail and head of the creature. These marks are remnants of the outer layer of raw jade, a deliberate homage to the natural beauty and authenticity of the stone.

The subject of the sculpture is particularly fascinating: it depicts a fantastical animal resembling a camel, but with ears reminiscent of those of elephantids, or more precisely, mammoths.
This unique iconography could suggest that the sculptor drew inspiration from the genetic similarity between the mammoth and the camel, particularly in their kidneys. This bold fusion of realism and mythology gives the piece its distinctive character.

The sculpture embodies a subtle harmony between ancient tradition and artistic innovation, further enriching the already rich heritage of Chinese jade sculpture.