Price on application
This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance
The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Chinese bowenite carved pendant, 19th-early 20th century, in the form of the 'shou' character surrounded by stylised cloud scrolls.
Diameter: 5cm. (2in.)
Notes:
Bowenite is a variety of the serpentine species antigorite and classified as a semi-precious gemstone. Bowenite deposits in China are found in the Soochow region, which accounts for it also being called Soochow jade. Its green colour is caused by chromium and iron impurities within the mineral and its relative hardness makes it highly suitable for carving. While it is often compared with jade, the two minerals having different compositions: jade is primarily composed of jadeite or nephrite, while bowenite is a type of serpentine. The shou symbol is an ideograph representing longevity; one of the Five Blessings (wufu 五福), popular in ceramic, jewellery, textile and furniture design with or without other auspicious symbols of long life or prosperity such as bats or cash coins.
Dimensions
Diameter: 5cm. (2in.)Stock number
R167The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
