AMJ1003 - Amulet With Crouching Dragon

A protective amulet of ancient design but likely made during the Ming period. It depicts a crouching dragon aside a lock-form derivative. Nicely carved and smooth on both sides with an auspicious design, its aged surface suggests long burial although it was more likely in a watery tomb environment over the last 400 to 500 years. 2 3/4 inches long by 5/16 inches thick with sea-green nephrite coloring and slight whitish / cremation evidence along the top edge of the dragon, where some reddish-brown rust has entered. Perfect condition and mounted with a brown cord for waist suspension. PRICE: $250.00

AMJ1004 - Bead With Cloud/Rain Design

A 1 7/8 inch long bead, fully carved in the round with the auspicious cloud / rain design. Probably carried by an agricultural official for use in the annual ceremonies, and wishing for good luck and benevolent weather that promoted successful crops. Heavy brown patination suggests long burial in a corrosive environment consistent with a southern China location. Relatively uncleaned and as-found condition. The surfaces are natural, slightly dull and show mild porosity on one side. Holed end-to-end for suspension, the jade was well smoothed with subtle markings and finish. PRICE: $175.00

AMJ1005 - Tao' t'ieh Amulet With Buffalo/Bull Face

A Tao' t'ieh-style amulet of a water buffalo / bulls face with inverted handlebar mustache and full horns incise-carved in the grooved style of the warring states. Surrounding the face on both sides are multiple cloud patterns. Used in agricultural ceremonies, this piece shows clear evidence of cremation exposure and long tomb burial. A provincial piece, the carving is forceful and detailed, but not as fine as the large city workshops created. Beautiful patina and a brownish coloration on yellowish chicken bone, with the reverse showing the sea-green natural stone, this 2 1/2 inch tall piece makes a powerful visual statement. Vertically hold for possible suspension. It is a good and bold Ming jade. PRICE: $275.00

AMJ1006 - Huan Ring

Fine translucent nephrite huan ring with a hole the size of a man's thumb. 2 3/16 inch diameter, the cloud curls are nicely rounded and cover both sides uniformly. Mythology suggests these rings with large holes were to be used only by higher authorities for special ceremonial purposes. The huan (italics) is nearly 3/8 inches thick, quite strong and shows gentle surface degradation from earth burial. This classic Ming shape, though scarce, was probably worn by a high official. Brown silk cord mounted for wearing as a pendant. PRICE: $250.00

AMJ1007 - Shamanistic Jade With Maze Symbols

Shamanistic mystical jade of 3/16 inch thick flat shape of a rounded, square period. The dark green nephrite - probably mined in Mongolia, has a small hole at the edge for suspension. Magical maze-like symbols are cut into both sides in a inexact, provincial fashion (where shamanism reigned supreme until the 19th century). Smooth, rounded and showing a few minor knocks from use, this type of jade is extremely rare today. Found in Liaoning province. PRICE: $295.00

AMJ1008 - Eagle or Owl

Eagle or owl with outstretched wings in greenish jade with greenish-white opaque jade with black tomb absorption of mercury. The pleasing design is well sculpted and meticulously rounded and smooth including the hole through the body. 1 3/4 inches tall, it can also be suspended as a pendant with the hole through the beak. An excellent Ming amulet for descendents of a bird clan. PRICE: $350.00