What is the estimated value of this Chinese jade figure?

This Chinese Pale Celadon Jade Figure of a Maiden is professionally valued at an estimated market price of $800 to $1,200 USD. This valuation is based on a comprehensive analysis of comparable sales of similar antique nephrite jade carvings from the Late Qing to Republic periods, considering its excellent apparent condition and fine craftsmanship. A specialist auction house is recommended to achieve this price range.

What era or period is this Chinese jade figure from?

This Chinese jade figure dates to the Late Qing Dynasty or early Republic period, specifically circa the late 19th to early 20th century. Its stylistic attributes, including the maiden's posture, hairstyle, and the garden stool motif, are characteristic of decorative carvings produced during this transitional era. These pieces were popular for domestic and export markets, reflecting a refined aesthetic.

What condition is this Chinese jade maiden figure in?

Based on the provided photographs, the Chinese jade maiden figure appears to be in excellent condition, showing no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The surface exhibits a soft, waxy luster. However, due to overexposed lighting in the images, a definitive assessment of minor abrasions or tool marks requires a physical inspection by a specialist. Confirmation of this excellent condition is crucial for achieving its premium value.

Where should I sell this antique Chinese jade figure?

To maximize its market potential, it is strongly recommended to sell this antique Chinese jade figure through a reputable mid-tier US auction house specializing in Asian Art, such as Doyle New York or Heritage Auctions. These venues attract knowledgeable collectors and can achieve the estimated $800 - $1,200 valuation. Avoid generalist marketplaces or pawn shops, which may not have the specialist buyer base.

Is this Chinese jade figure authentic nephrite jade?

The figure's material visually appears consistent with pale celadon nephrite jade, a prized stone in Chinese culture. Its color, translucency, and carving quality align with period examples. While likely authentic, a definitive confirmation that it is nephrite jade and not a visually similar simulant (like serpentine) requires non-destructive physical testing. Microscopic examination of tool marks would also verify its antique status.

What is the subject of this Chinese jade carving?

This Chinese jade carving depicts a shinv, or court lady, rather than a specific deity. She is portrayed seated gracefully on a drum-shaped garden stool, cradling a small bird. This secular motif was popular in late Imperial Chinese decorative arts, symbolizing elegance, domesticity, and a connection to nature. Such figures were often displayed in scholarly homes as objects of contemplation.

A Chinese Pale Celadon Jade Figure of a Maiden Seated on a Garden Stool, Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, 19th/Early 20th Century

Estimated value: $800 - $1,200. A Chinese Pale Celadon Jade Figure of a Maiden Seated on a Garden Stool, Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period, 19th/Early 20th Century (Late Qing Dynasty / Early Republic Period (c. 19th-20th Century)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This elegant jade carving captures a quiet moment of life in late Imperial China. The subject is not a goddess, but a *shinv*, or court lady, a popular ideal of grace and refinement. These figures were not intended for temples, but for the homes of scholars and wealthy merchants, displayed in a study or private chamber as an object of contemplation and a symbol of cultivated taste. The artist chose a piece of pale celadon jade—a stone deeply associated with purity and virtue in Chinese culture for millennia—and skillfully worked it to depict the maiden's flowing robes and her gentle interaction with a small bird, a symbol of nature and harmony. Created in the late 19th or early 20th century, a time of immense social and political change in China, this carving represents the continuation of a long artistic tradition. Workshops in cities like Suzhou were famed for producing such delicate and fluid sculptures. Owning this piece connects one to this rich history of Chinese lapidary art and the refined aesthetic of the scholar's studio.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of comparable sales for Chinese jade figures of similar size, quality, and period. The primary anchor is a realized price of $950 for a comparable antique nephrite jade carving of a lady. Other data points, including dealer asking prices, suggest a market for good quality examples in the low four-figure range. The Christie's sale of a Guanyin for over $13,000 is considered an outlier, likely representing a piece of superior quality, provenance, or material, and is therefore not used as a direct anchor. Given the current market for Chinese works of art, a pre-sale auction estimate of $800 - $1,200 is appropriate. We would recommend a reserve price of $700. After typical auction house commissions (e.g., 10-15%), the net proceeds to the seller would likely be in the range of $680 to $1,080.

Comparable sales

The seated figure is modeled with the left arm resting on a small table holding a closed scroll, while the other hand holds a small vase. The figure wears long flowing robes and has a serene expression. The stone is of a pale tone with some white and brown inclusions, and it measures 6 ¾ inches (17.1 cm) high. — sold for 10000 GBP (Christie's), not available
A pale celadon jade figure of Guanyin, from China, 19th century. It is carved in openwork as a standing Guanyin, dressed in voluminous robes and framed by flowing sashes, tied around the waist and suspending a large cash coin. The figure has an oval face with downcast eyes, hair tied into an elaborate chignon, and holds a lotus blossom in her right hand. The translucent stone is a pale celadon col — sold for Passed (Invaluable), 2025-07-25
A gorgeous antique carved Chinese lady figure holding a floral bouquet. It is very detailed, with features like a headpiece, flower in hair, carved stars around the neckline, and a fluid costume. It measures approximately 10.5 cm (4.13 inches) tall and weighs about 95 g (3.35 ounces). It is from the 19th/20th Century and is in great vintage condition, with possible tiny nibbles to each leaf tip. — sold for £148.81 (Etsy), 2026-07-22
This is a Chinese 1930s carved jade figure of Guanyin, seated on a doré bronze base, functioning as a table lamp. The jade was imported to Europe and fitted with a bronze base in France. It is fitted with a silk lampshade. — sold for $1,250 (1stDibs), 1920-1939
Chinese Carved Jadeite Figure of A Lady and Boy, Qing Dynasty. Ht 13.5 cm without stand. — sold for Passed (Capitoline Auction Gallery), 2015-05-23
Chinese Nephrite jade carving of a standing woman with flowing robes, holding a raised cup and a lantern on the end of a ruyi scepter, with a wood stand. Dimensions: 2 1/2″ w x 7 1/2″ h. — sold for $950.00 (Zentner Collection), Circa 1900s

Expert notes

This is a fine example of a late Qing to Republic period jade carving, likely authentic to its period. The valuation is contingent on the material being confirmed as nephrite jade and the condition being as excellent as it appears in the photographs. Before offering the piece for sale, we strongly recommend two simple verification steps: first, a basic hardness test to rule out softer simulants like serpentine; second, a physical inspection by a specialist to confirm the absence of any hidden damage or modern tool marks. These steps will ensure the piece can be catalogued confidently and achieve its full market potential.

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