Group of Six Hetian Jade Lidded Boxes, Qing Dynasty, 18th‑19th Century Assorted Ming‑Qing Hetian Jade Scholar’s Boxes

拍品描述

Dimensions: The rectangular box is 8 cm (3.15 inches) long, the square box is 5.2 cm (2.05 inches) wide, and each piece is 2 cm (0.79 inches) high, with a total weight of 199 grams. This is a complete set of Qing Dynasty Hetian jade covered scholar's vessels, dating from the 18th to 19th centuries. Condition and Provenance: This set of six jade covered boxes comprises six pieces of varying shapes: round, oval, begonia-shaped, rounded square, and two types of rectangles. Each jade lid is carved from natural Hetian bluish-white jade, with a subtle natural jade color and texture on the surface. The lids fit perfectly to the boxes, with exquisite mortise and tenon joints. The interiors are clean and smooth, with consistent wall thickness and fine polishing. The entire set of jade lids is free of defects, cracks, repairs, or replacements. Only slight signs of aging are present at the edges, resulting from long-term use. These gentle signs of aging are naturally formed and have not been artificially dyed or chemically aged. This set of jade artifacts was initially sold by an antique jade gallery in Singapore and acquired in 2026 by a private collector in New Jersey specializing in Ming and Qing dynasty jade. New Jersey, Texas, and Singapore are major global centers for the trading of Ming and Qing dynasty jade. Description: This complete set of six Qing dynasty Hetian jade boxes were elegant and practical objects for scholars' studies and noblewomen's boudoirs. Such a diverse set of jade boxes in various shapes is relatively rare among ancient Chinese jade artifacts. The shapes include round, oval, begonia-shaped, rounded square, and two types of rectangles, suitable for holding inkpads, face powder, rouge, small seals, and small ornaments. Each box is carved from a single piece of Hetian bluish-white jade, with the body and lid carved separately. Precise mortise and tenon joints ensure a tight and secure closure. The boxes have a hollow, flowing interior, soft, rounded contours, and smooth edges, showcasing the exquisite carving and polishing techniques of Qing dynasty jade craftsmen. The raw jade contains rich natural reddish-brown hues, with a subtle patina accumulated over time. These jade boxes are simple and unadorned, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the delicate and smooth texture of Hetian jade. Simple jade boxes with lids held an important place among the literati and women's objects of the Qing Dynasty. The various shapes and forms of jade boxes preserved to this day provide valuable reference materials for studying the selection of jade materials, carving techniques, and daily life in the Qing Dynasty. These jade boxes are suitable for museum exhibitions as well as for display in studies or studios. They are highly sought after by antique jade collectors worldwide, possessing both high aesthetic and collectible value.

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