What is the estimated value of this Chinese jade vase?

This Chinese Spinach-Green Jade 'Mughal-Style' Incense Tool Vase has an estimated market value of £3,000 to £5,000. This valuation is based on comparable sales of similar high-quality Qing Dynasty jade pieces, considering its fine material, intricate carving, and historical significance. A specialist Asian Art auction is recommended to achieve the upper end of this estimate.

What era/period is this Chinese jade vase from?

This jade incense tool vase dates to the Qing Dynasty, most likely the Qianlong to Jiaqing period (circa 1800). Its attribution is supported by the distinctive stylistic blend of delicate Mughal-style floral motifs with traditional Chinese archaistic patterns, a synthesis highly favored by the imperial court during this era.

What condition is this Chinese jade incense tool vase in?

The vase is in good overall condition, consistent with its age and careful handling. There are no visible cracks, significant chips, or evidence of repairs, and the carving remains crisp. Minor surface abrasions may be present but do not detract from its appearance, contributing positively to its value.

Where should I sell this Chinese jade incense tool vase?

We strongly recommend selling this Chinese jade incense tool vase through a specialist London auction house, such as Bonhams or Woolley and Wallis, particularly during the 'Asian Art in London' season (May and November). These venues offer expert cataloguing and access to a global network of specialist collectors, maximizing the potential sale price.

What are the key features of this Mughal-style jade vase?

This vase is finely carved from a single piece of spinach-green nephrite jade, known for its deep green tone and natural dark inclusions. Its key features include low-relief scrolling lotus blossoms in the Mughal taste, framed by incised Chinese 'leiwen' (key-fret) borders, and archaistic lappets on the waisted neck. The sophisticated blend of styles is a hallmark of its period.

Is this Chinese spinach-green jade vase authentic?

The vase is considered likely authentic to the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong/Jiajing period, based on its material, form, and complex decorative style, which are highly consistent with known scholar's objects from that era. However, without physical gemological testing or in-hand examination of tool marks by a specialist, the possibility of it being an exceptionally high-quality Republic period copy cannot be entirely excluded.

A Chinese Spinach-Green Jade 'Mughal-Style' Incense Tool Vase

Estimated value: £3,000 - £5,000. A Chinese Spinach-Green Jade 'Mughal-Style' Incense Tool Vase (Qing Dynasty, probably Qianlong/Jiaqing Period (circa 1800)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This vase is a superb example of a Chinese scholar's object, specifically an incense tool vase or 'xiangping', from the height of the Qing Dynasty's artistic production. Its creation reflects a key moment in Chinese decorative arts during the 18th century, when the Qianlong Emperor developed a passion for ornate jades from Mughal India. He commissioned his own imperial workshops to create pieces in this 'Hindustan' style, which were often, as seen here, masterfully blended with traditional Chinese archaistic motifs that harkened back to ancient bronzes. The result is a cross-cultural masterpiece, combining the delicate floral scrollwork of Mughal art with the geometric precision of Chinese 'leiwen' borders. Carved from spinach-green nephrite jade, a material highly prized by the court, this vase would have been part of a set on a scholar's desk, used for the refined ritual of appreciating incense. The market for such objects is sophisticated; near-identical examples have appeared at major international auction houses, confirming the type and period. Value is driven by the quality of the jade, the finesse of the carving, and the successful fusion of artistic styles.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on analysis of comparable sales for similar high-quality spinach-green jade vases from the 18th to 20th centuries. A near-identical vase, possibly the same object, sold at Bonhams in May 2025 for £1,920, providing a conservative anchor for the low estimate. Another visually identical piece is offered by a retail dealer on 1stDibs for $17,000, which, while an asking price, indicates high retail perception. Our estimate of £3,000 - £5,000 reflects the vase's high quality and likely 18th/19th-century origin, positioning it for a specialist Asian Art auction where it can be properly contextualised. A lower valuation would be expected in a general sale. We would recommend a reserve of £2,800. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would be approximately £2,550 - £4,500.

Comparable sales

A spinach green jade vase, 18th/19th century, carved to the lower body with stylized flowerheads enclosed within foliate swags, and the gently flaring neck with floral and foliate designs. It is 13cm (5 1/8in) high. — sold for £1,920 (Bonhams), 2025-05-13
A fine and well-carved Chinese spinach jade incense tool vase of medium dark green hue with black flecks, featuring a slightly flattened body with scrolling lotus blossoms and leaves in relief, and a tall, narrow neck with a downward trailing leaf design. — sold for $17,000 (1stDibs), N/A

Expert notes

This is a fine and highly desirable piece of Chinese jade. However, its ultimate value is tied to its precise dating. While the style strongly points to the 18th/19th century, very fine copies were made in the early 20th century. The significant difference between a recent auction result (£1,920) and a dealer's asking price ($17,000) for similar items highlights this market sensitivity. Before offering the vase for sale, we strongly recommend seeking an in-hand assessment from a specialist auction house department to confirm the period attribution by examining the interior hollowing and tool marks.

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