What is the estimated value of this Chinese jadeite vase?

Based on a professional valuation, this 20th-century Chinese Carved Jadeite Ornamental Vase and Cover (Zun) on a Mythical Beast (Bixie) Stand has an estimated market value of $8,000 to $12,000. This valuation is strongly supported by a direct photographic match to an identical object sold at Bonhams in May 2023 for approximately $10,367. The estimate assumes the material is confirmed as natural, untreated Type A jadeite.

What era is this Chinese jadeite vase from?

This Chinese carved jadeite vase is identified as a 20th-century work, consistent with the late Qing Dynasty through the Republic period. While its archaistic 'zun' form and mythical beast ('bixie') motif recall 18th-century Qianlong aesthetics, the direct match to a Bonhams auction lot catalogued as 20th-century firmly establishes its dating. It represents a continuation of traditional Chinese lapidary art.

What condition is this Chinese jadeite vase in?

The Chinese carved jadeite vase is in good overall condition. It appears complete with its original cover and the intricate loose-ring chain. A very minor chip is noted on the tip of the mythical beast's left horn, which is a small detraction but typical for such detailed carvings. Overexposed photographs limit a full assessment of fine surface details, but no major damage or restoration is apparent.

Where should I sell this Chinese jadeite vase?

To achieve the maximum value of $8,000 to $12,000, it is strongly recommended to sell this Chinese jadeite vase through a specialist Asian Art auction at a major auction house in the United States, such as Bonhams or Heritage Auctions. These venues attract targeted international collectors and provide expert cataloguing and marketing. Avoid generalist consignment shops or online marketplaces without specialist support.

Is the jadeite material of this vase authentic?

The material is identified as jadeite based on its vibrant green color and translucency, consistent with the Bonhams cataloguing. However, definitive confirmation as natural, untreated Type A jadeite requires physical gemological testing. The valuation is contingent on this confirmation, as the value would be substantially lower if the stone is a simulant or has been treated.

What makes this Chinese jadeite vase valuable?

The value of this Chinese jadeite vase stems from several factors: its high-quality jadeite material (pending confirmation), the exceptional intricacy and skill of its 20th-century carving, particularly the monolithic loose-ring chain, and its desirable archaistic 'zun' form on a mythical 'bixie' stand. Its good condition and direct match to a recent auction record also contribute significantly to its market appeal.

Chinese Carved Jadeite Ornamental Vase and Cover (Zun) on a Mythical Beast (Bixie) Stand, 20th Century

Estimated value: $8,000 - $12,000. Chinese Carved Jadeite Ornamental Vase and Cover (Zun) on a Mythical Beast (Bixie) Stand, 20th Century (20th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This ornamental vase is a testament to the enduring legacy and extraordinary skill of Chinese jade carvers. Its form deliberately harks back to the splendors of ancient China, reviving the shape of archaic bronze ritual vessels known as 'zun'. The mythical beast supporting it, a winged creature called a 'bixie', was a powerful symbol of protection and good fortune, believed to ward off evil. The most breathtaking feature is the delicate chain connecting the lid to the vase, a marvel of craftsmanship known as 'lian diao'. This entire intricate object—beast, vase, lid, and chain—was painstakingly carved from a single block of precious hardstone. While this archaistic style reached its zenith under the patronage of the 18th-century Qianlong Emperor, the tradition of creating such magnificent display pieces continued for generations. This vase is a fine example from the 20th century, likely produced in a specialist workshop in a city like Suzhou or Yangzhou for a wealthy domestic client or for the burgeoning export market. It represents a continuation of centuries of artistic tradition, capturing the cultural reverence for jade and the technical virtuosity of its artisans.

How the value was reached

The valuation is primarily anchored by the May 2023 sale of what is almost certainly the same object at Bonhams, which realized a price of approximately $10,367 (Comp 1). This provides a very strong and recent market comparable. The price range is further supported by other sales of similar quality 20th-century carved jadeite vessels, such as an $8,500 result in 2015 (Comp 4). The estimate assumes the material is confirmed as natural, untreated jadeite. A recommended reserve price would be $7,000. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds to the seller would likely be in the range of $6,800 to $10,200.

Comparable sales

Carved in the form of a small compressed baluster vase incised with five bats with loop handles, one linked to the cover by a string of interlocking rings, all supported on the back of a muscular mythical beast holding a spray of fungus in the mouth and standing with the head turned back, on a rockwork base. 17cm (6 3/4in) high. — sold for £8,287.50 (Bonhams), 2023-05-15
This is a stunning carved and pierced Chinese jade vase from the Qing Dynasty, 19th century, featuring birds, flowers, and trees. The dense, heavy jade is a deep, mostly even bluish-green color with small areas of yellow and brown. It has two loose ring handles and depicts the "Three Friends of Winter" (pine, bamboo, and plum), pheasants, and a crane. The lid is surmounted by a phoenix, and the va — sold for $29,500 (1stDibs), 2024-07-29
A Chinese nicely carved dark green jade lidded vessel, late Qing Dynasty late 19th/early 20th century, of mottled shades of dark green with russet brown inclusions and compressed baluster form. It features reticulated sides depicting a preening crane, pine, lingzhi, bamboo, and crested birds among prunus branches. The vessel has a sloped shoulder with long leaves, stylized lingzhi, and loop handle — sold for $8,500.00 (Simpson Galleries, LLC), 2015-05-17
Lidded urn has jade chain connecting lid to base. Foo dog finial on lid, handles on shoulders with jade rings. Cavings on sides of vase resemble face masks. 8.5"H X 3.5"W. Good condition. — sold for 3400 USD (Invaluable.com), 2018-01-25
A fine jadeite 'dragon' vase and chained cover from the Late Qing Dynasty/Republic Period. The vase has an elegant baluster shape with a waisted neck, carved in high relief with an archaistic crouching chilong on the shoulder, flanked by a pair of horned dragon-head handles suspending loose rings connected to the cover with two chains. The cover is surmounted by a coiled dragon finial. The stone i — sold for HK$102,400 (Bonhams), 2025-05-04

Expert notes

This is a fine and authentic example of 20th-century Chinese jadeite carving, very likely the same piece sold at Bonhams in 2023. The valuation is based on the assumption that the material is natural, untreated jadeite. Before offering the piece for sale, it is essential to have a qualified gemologist confirm the material's identity, as this is the single most important factor affecting its value. A positive confirmation would secure the estimate, whereas a finding of treatment or simulation would reduce the value significantly.

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