What is the estimated value of this Chinese White Jade 'Chilong' Cup?

This Chinese White Jade 'Chilong' Cup, attributed to the Qing Dynasty Qianlong Period, has an estimated market value of £2,500 - £4,000. This valuation considers its fine craftsmanship and historical significance, but a significant structural crack and lack of provenance have led to a 40-60% reduction compared to an undamaged example. The confidence level for this valuation is 75%.

What era/period is this Chinese jade cup from?

This single-handled jade cup is attributed to the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong Period (1736-1795). This era is considered the zenith of Chinese jade carving, characterized by imperial patronage and access to high-quality nephrite. The archaistic 'chilong' dragon motif and refined carving style are hallmarks of this highly sought-after period.

What condition is this Chinese White Jade 'Chilong' Cup in?

The cup is in fair condition. Its primary defect is a prominent structural crack extending from the rim down the body, which substantially reduces its market value. Minor surface wear and light scratches are consistent with its age. Despite the crack, the cup's authenticity as an 18th-century piece is considered high based on material and carving technique.

Where should I sell this Chinese White Jade 'Chilong' Cup?

For this Chinese White Jade 'Chilong' Cup, selling through a specialist auction house in London is recommended to achieve the best net proceeds. Reputable houses like Bonhams, Sotheby's, or Christie's offer expert cataloguing, global reach, and attract a dedicated international buyer base for high-quality Chinese Works of Art. Avoid general online marketplaces for such a valuable item.

What is a 'chilong' dragon and its significance on this jade cup?

A 'chilong' is a hornless or juvenile dragon, a powerful and auspicious motif in Chinese art. On this cup, the 'chilong' is masterfully carved as a clambering handle, biting the rim. This dynamic composition was popular on high-quality libation cups and scholar's objects during the Ming and Qing dynasties, symbolizing power, good fortune, and scholarly pursuits.

A Chinese White Jade Single-Handled 'Chilong' Cup, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795)

Estimated value: £2,500 - £4,000. A Chinese White Jade Single-Handled 'Chilong' Cup, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795) (Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period (1736-1795)) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This cup is a fine example of a Chinese scholar's object from the Qing Dynasty, specifically the 18th-century Qianlong period, which is widely considered the zenith of Chinese jade carving. The era was defined by the Qianlong Emperor's personal passion for jades and an unprecedented supply of high-quality nephrite material from Khotan. Such objects were treasured not only for their beauty but also for their symbolism; jade itself was associated with purity and virtue, while the 'chilong' dragon motif is an auspicious symbol of power and good fortune. The market for Qianlong-period jades is robust, particularly for pieces with imperial association or exceptional quality. However, value is highly sensitive to condition and provenance. While this cup exhibits the fine carving and desirable material of the period, its market position is severely compromised by a significant crack. Comparable undamaged examples have achieved strong prices at auction, but a substantial discount must be applied to account for this condition issue.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of comparable auction results for similar Qing dynasty jade 'chilong' cups. A key reference is a two-handled Qianlong cup that sold for £6,875 at Christie's in 2018. Other related examples have sold in the £4,750-£5,500 range. However, these comparables were all in good condition. A significant downward adjustment of approximately 40-60% has been applied to account for the prominent crack on this piece. The lack of provenance is also a limiting factor. We would recommend a reserve price of £2,000. Net proceeds would be subject to a standard seller's commission (typically 10-15%) and any associated sale fees.

Comparable sales

A white jade 'chilong' cup from the Qianlong Period (1736-1795). The vessel features a flaring mouth rim, a spreading short foot, and two large chilong dragons forming the handles, with a smaller chilong on one side. The stone is of a pale tone with some minor cloudy inclusions. It measures 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) wide. — sold for GBP 6,875 (Christie's), 2018-07-19
A jade libation cup, Ming dynasty, carved with twin chilong dragon handles in pale and mottled green stone, bearing two Chinese characters on the base, 13.5cm wide. — sold for £4,750 (Bonhams), 2013-11-13
A PALE GREYISH-WHITE `CHILONG' JADE CUP, LATE MING-QING DYNASTY. The cup is carved with two chilong clambering along the sides to form the handles. The stone is of a pale greyish-white tone with some natural inclusions. — sold for USD 5,670 (Christie's), 2022-09-29
A Chinese Bowenite Archaistic Libation Cup and a Waterpot. — sold for 19000 SEK (Stockholms Auktionsverk Fine Art), 2026-07-06

Expert notes

The valuation is highly dependent on the item's condition. The significant crack substantially reduces its market value compared to a pristine example. Furthermore, the lack of documented provenance is a limiting factor. Before offering for sale, we strongly recommend a physical examination by a specialist to assess the stability of the crack, as this will be critical for cataloguing and achieving the best possible auction result.

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