Jade is a gemstone / mineral which has been used predominantly in Asia and Latin America. There are two types of jade these being nephrite and jadeite of which jadeite is the rarer and can come in various shades. Animals have often been important symbols in Asian culture so it is not unusual to find jade carvings of animals or to find depictions of animals carved in jade objects.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique jade animals including a white jade plaque with a carving of a rabbit and a celedon figure of a cat.
Jade Openwork Carving of Deer
China, seated under a tree with lingzhi mushroom, the opposite side with a hare-like animal, pale celadon stone with russet inclusions, with a conforming openwork wood stand with lingzhi-inspired scrolls, ht. 1 7/8 overall, jade ht. 1 1/4, wd. 2 1/4 in.
Sold for US$6,375 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
A CHINESE RETICULATED WHITE JADE PLAQUE
QING DYNASTY, THE JADE 19TH CENTURY, GILT-METAL MOUNT LATER
The circular plaque is carved from stone of even white tone with a rabbit surrounded by flowering and foliate plants, set into a later mirrored mount
31⁄2 in. (8.8 cm.) diameter of jade visible
Sold for USD 7,560 at Christie’s in 2022
A Chinese White Jade Pendant
Qing Dynasty
Of leaf form, carved with a squirrel and grapes. Length 3 inches
Sold for $1,134 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022
Qing Jade Carved Lion Rolling Embroidery Pendant
Sold for US$1,500 at Asian Antique Group in 2022
A small pale celadon jade figure of a cat
Qing dynasty, early 19th century
Sold for 2,016 GBP at Sotheby’s in 2022
