What is the estimated value of this Chinese 'Chun Dai Cai' jadeite dish?

The estimated market value for this Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period 'Chun Dai Cai' jadeite floriform dish is between $1,000 and $1,500 USD. This valuation is based on recent auction results for comparable high-quality Chinese jade carvings, with an upward adjustment for the desirable tri-color jadeite material. The estimate assumes the jadeite is natural and untreated, which would require physical gemological testing for definitive confirmation.

What era is this jadeite floriform dish from?

This jadeite floriform dish dates to the Late Qing Dynasty or early Republic Period, specifically estimated between approximately 1880 and 1930. The use of jadeite from Burma became prominent in the 18th century and peaked during this period. Its delicate, thin-walled carving style also shows a clear influence from earlier Mughal jades, which were highly favored by the Chinese court during the Qing Dynasty.

What condition is this carved jadeite dish in?

This carved 'Chun Dai Cai' jadeite dish is in excellent condition for its age. There are no visible chips, cracks, or repairs, and the surface retains a good polish with only minor wear consistent with its historical use. The gold-colored pigment in the incised veins appears stable and original. Its superb condition contributes positively to its overall market value.

Where should I sell this Chinese jadeite scholar's object?

For this Chinese jadeite scholar's object, we recommend consigning it to a domestic specialist auction house like Heritage Auctions in Dallas, targeting their Asian Art sales. This venue attracts dedicated collectors and can maximize the sale price. Alternatively, a private dealer specializing in Chinese jade, such as Robyn Turner, could offer immediate liquidity, though likely at a lower net price.

What is 'Chun Dai Cai' jadeite?

'Chun Dai Cai' is a poetic Chinese term meaning 'spring-colored' jadeite. It refers to a highly desirable tri-color palette found naturally within a single piece of jadeite, typically featuring pale lavender, white, and mottled green zones. This combination is particularly prized by collectors for its aesthetic beauty and rarity, significantly enhancing the value of carvings made from such material.

Is this jadeite dish authentic?

The jadeite dish is considered likely authentic, with its material, form, and carving style consistent with a genuine late Qing to early Republic period scholar's object. However, a definitive confirmation that the jadeite itself is natural and untreated ('Type A') cannot be made from photographs alone. Physical gemological testing is strongly recommended to verify its authenticity and ensure its full market value.

A Carved 'Chun Dai Cai' Jadeite Floriform Dish

Estimated value: $1,000 - $1,500. A Carved 'Chun Dai Cai' Jadeite Floriform Dish (Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period (c. 1880-1930)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This exquisite dish was once a treasured item on a scholar's desk in late imperial China. Known as a 'scholar's object,' it would have served a practical function, perhaps as a brush washer (bixi) for rinsing ink brushes, while also acting as a source of aesthetic contemplation and inspiration. The choice of material—translucent, multi-hued jadeite—was deeply meaningful, as jade has long been revered in Chinese culture for its associations with purity, nobility, and longevity. The form itself, a stylized flower with delicate petals, reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the refined tastes of the educated elite. The carving style, with its paper-thin walls, shows the influence of Mughal jades from India, a style that became highly fashionable at the Chinese court during the Qing Dynasty. This piece is a tangible link to the sophisticated world of the Chinese literati.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of recent auction results for similar Chinese jade carvings. The primary anchor is a late Qing jade 'lotus leaf' brush washer that sold for £787 (approx. $999) at Roseberys London in May 2025. An adjustment upward has been made for the subject item's superior 'Chun Dai Cai' tri-color jadeite material. A lower-quality carved jade lotus bowl sold for $210 at Case Auctions, providing a low-end market reference. The estimate assumes the jadeite is natural and untreated. With a standard auction house seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would be approximately $850 - $1,350. A recommended reserve price would be $800.

Comparable sales

A Chinese jade 'lotus leaf' brush washer, bixi, Late Qing dynasty. It is carved in the form of a lotus leaf with a small seedpod between two mandarin ducks, with handles in the form of lotus and wave, 20.7cm across, with a fitted wood stand. — sold for £787 (Roseberys London), 2025-05-13
Chinese carved jade brush washer bowl, pale celadon color with russet inclusions; scalloped and folded rim adorned with flowering lotus blossoms, the underside carved with leaf, stem and vine decoration. Fitted with a shaped hardwood stand. 3 1/8" H x 5 1/4" W x 4 1/2" D. Late 19th/early 20th century. — sold for $210.00 (Case Auctions), 2019-10-05
This exquisite brush holder/washer from the Qing Dynasty is a true antique gem. Crafted from tricolored jade, it originates from China and features a beautiful lotus leaf design with an organic shape and lotuses of green and brown surrounding the leaf. The item is estimated to be from the 19th century and has been restored, being in very good condition. Its dimensions are 5 1/4" L. — sold for $2,100.00 or Best Offer (eBay), 2024-09-01

Expert notes

This appears to be a genuine and high-quality Chinese jadeite scholar's dish from the late 19th or early 20th century. However, the full value of such a piece depends on the jadeite being natural and untreated ('Type A'). From photographs alone, it is impossible to rule out modern treatments like dyeing or polymer-filling, which would significantly reduce the value. Before offering the item for sale, it is strongly recommended to have it examined in person by a gemologist or a specialist in Asian art to confirm its authenticity.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your jade worth?.