What is the estimated value of this Qing Dynasty white jade pendant?

This finely carved Qing Dynasty (18th Century) white jade 'Boy and Lotus' pendant has an estimated market value of £1,500 - £3,000. This valuation is based on an analysis of recent auction results for comparable high-quality Chinese white jade carvings. Factors influencing this range include the exceptional material and intricate carving, balanced against the lack of documented provenance and the need for physical authentication to confirm its period origin definitively.

What era is this Chinese white jade pendant from?

This white jade 'Boy and Lotus' pendant is attributed to the Qing Dynasty, specifically the 18th Century. Its carving style, including the three-dimensional modeling, specific hairstyle, and intricate openwork of the lotus stems, is highly consistent with examples from this period. The 'boy with a lotus' motif was particularly popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, symbolizing wishes for many sons and good fortune.

What condition is this white jade carving in?

The white jade 'Boy and Lotus' pendant is in good, well-preserved condition, consistent with its age. The intricate openwork is intact with no visible breaks or repairs. There are minimal surface scratches from gentle handling over time. A small area of yellowish-brown discoloration on the reverse appears to be a natural inclusion in the stone, which is a minor aesthetic detractor but does not significantly impact its value.

Where is the best place to sell this Qing Dynasty jade pendant?

We strongly recommend selling this Qing Dynasty white jade pendant within the United Kingdom, specifically through specialist Asian art auctions in London. Platforms like Bonhams, Lyon & Turnbull, or Dreweatts, particularly during Asian Art Week in November, will attract a concentrated pool of international buyers, including those from mainland China and Hong Kong, without incurring the high costs and risks associated with international shipping and export licensing.

How can I confirm the authenticity of this 18th-century jade pendant?

While the pendant's style is consistent with an 18th-century Qing Dynasty origin, definitive authentication requires physical examination by a specialist in Chinese jades. This is crucial due to the prevalence of high-quality modern reproductions of the 'boy and lotus' motif. A specialist would conduct microscopic inspection of tool marks and potentially a non-invasive UV light test to confirm the natural origin of any inclusions and tool marks.

A Finely Carved White Jade 'Boy and Lotus' Pendant, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century

Estimated value: £1,500 - £3,000. A Finely Carved White Jade 'Boy and Lotus' Pendant, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century (Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), probably 18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This exquisite object is a white jade pendant or toggle, representing the pinnacle of Chinese lapidary art from the Qing Dynasty, most likely the 18th century. It is carved from high-quality nephrite jade, probably sourced from the prestigious Khotan (Hetian) region, prized for its pure colour and smooth, waxy lustre. The carving depicts a 'boy with a lotus' (tongzi chihe), a deeply symbolic and auspicious motif in Chinese culture. This imagery forms a visual pun, or rebus, expressing a wish for the 'continuous birth of distinguished sons' and general good fortune. The exceptional skill of the carver is evident in the fluid, three-dimensional modeling and the complex, delicate openwork that defines the piece. Such small, precious objects were not merely decorative but were also personal items for handling and contemplation, embodying the scholarly and refined tastes of the period. The market for fine Chinese jades remains strong, particularly for authentic period pieces of high-quality material and carving. While examples with imperial provenance command the highest prices, well-carved, auspicious objects like this are consistently desirable to collectors. Comparable sales show a wide range, but examples of similar quality and subject matter have achieved strong results at international auctions.

How the value was reached

The valuation is based on an analysis of recent auction results for comparable Chinese white jade carvings from the Qing Dynasty. The primary anchor is a UK sale of a 'Boys Playing Ball' group at Lyon & Turnbull for £1,512, which represents a realistic baseline for the domestic market. A 'Boy and Cat' group of similar quality sold for a much higher £7,582 at Christie's Hong Kong; this price is considered a potential ceiling, reflecting the premium of the Hong Kong market and its documented provenance. The lower-priced comparables provide broader market context but are less similar in subject and quality. The estimated range of £1,500 - £3,000 reflects the item's high quality but also the uncertainty of authentication and lack of provenance. We would recommend a reserve price of £1,200. A seller's commission of 10-15% would typically be deducted from the hammer price.

Comparable sales

A celadon jade 'dragon fish' carving from China, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), measuring 9.2 cm (3 5/8 in.) in length. — sold for £2,779 (Christie's), 2022-07-12
China, 1644-1912. Finely carved in openwork from a superb white jade pebble, the recumbent mythical beast posed with its feet tucked underneath, gripping in its sharp teeth a cluster of three large lingzhi sprouts. A small bat is carved along the beast's side with its wings outspread. The translucent jade is of an even white hue with small icy inclusions. — sold for £660.18 (Galerie Zacke), 2024-06-28
A small white jade carving of a 'Boy and Cat' group, from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), measuring 2 1/4 inches (5.8 cm) long, with a wood stand and box. It was previously sold at Bonhams Hong Kong on May 29, 2022, lot 32. — sold for £7,582 (Christie's), 2024-06-04
Lively carved with two boys playfully wrestling for a brocade ball, the smaller boy holding the ball in both hands, as the taller boy grabs the ball with one hand whilst his left hand covers the lower jaw of the smaller boy pushing him away, the translucent stone of white tone with some russet skin on the back. — sold for £1,512 (Lyon & Turnbull), 2024-11-08

Expert notes

The valuation is contingent on the item being a genuine 18th-century artifact. This specific type of jade carving is frequently subject to high-quality modern reproduction. Before offering the item for sale, we strongly recommend a physical examination by a specialist in Chinese jades. This would involve microscopic inspection of the tool marks and potentially a non-invasive UV light test of the russet-coloured inclusion to confirm its natural origin.

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