Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
An impressive archaistic vessel carved from a single block of mottled green and white nephrite jade, designed to mimic ancient buried treasures. It features incised and low-relief decoration depicting a Han-style horse-drawn chariot, stylized dragons, and archaic seal-script characters, finished with an artificial calcified patina.
Story
Ancient Chinese tombs excavated in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed breathtaking jade treasures. This vessel was crafted to capture that exact sense of archaeological wonder, complete with simulated burial crust.
Maker / Origin
While the specific lapidary workshop is unidentified, this piece belongs to a highly skilled 20th-century tradition of Chinese jade carvers who specialized in 'fagu' (imitating the ancient). These artisans studied archaeological drawings and museum pieces to recreate the sacred ritual objects of China's golden dynasties.
Condition & Value
The vessel shows a heavily distressed, artificially aged surface designed to look calcified and weathered. There are no obvious structural cracks or major modern chips visible, though the deliberate rough texture makes identifying minor post-production wear difficult.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.