1970s Chinese Lavender and White Jadeite Carving of Bok Choy With Persimmons and Insects

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Description

A masterfully hand-carved and polished Chinese jadeite sculpture from the 1970s, this substantial piece artfully captures a head of bok … Read more A masterfully hand-carved and polished Chinese jadeite sculpture from the 1970s, this substantial piece artfully captures a head of bok choy nestled with four persimmons and two insects resting on its leaves.
The artist ingeniously utilized the stone's natural color variations—from the milky, semi-translucent white of the outer leaves to the rich, pale lavender of the tender inner stalk—a technique prized by connoisseurs. The craftsmanship is exceptional, displaying delicate, naturalistic veining and the distinct, hand-polished surface luster characteristic of high-quality vintage pieces.
Symbolically, the composition conveys an auspicious blessing: the bok choy (báicài, sounding like "hundred wealth") and persimmon (shì, representing peace) form a visual rebus wishing the owner “May you have peace and abundance in all your endeavors.” The inclusion of the insects further blesses the owner with fertility and countless descendants.
Shown in the last 2 photos displayed on dark wood stand, this carving weighs approximately 5½ lbs and showcases the luminous translucency of high-grade jadeite.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE:
This piece is a superb example of the Qing Dynasty tradition of jade carving that flourished into the mid-20th century. The quality is a testament to the artisan's adherence to two key principles: the use of hand-powered rotary tools (a hallmark of pre-modern production), and the masterful employment of multi-colored jadeite. Carvings that seamlessly incorporate three distinct colors—white, green (or celadon/pale), and lavender—are the most difficult and sought-after, as they require an extremely rare, large boulder of jadeite with perfectly positioned coloration.

THE PRINCIPAL'S PERSPECTIVE:
This piece dates to the 1970s, a crucial period that immediately predates the widespread adoption of modern automated machinery like Computer Numerical Control (CNC) carving. As such, this jadeite was shaped through power-driven manual carving, where the four-step traditional jade process—cutting, grinding, carving, and finally, polishing (mo)—was carried out by a skilled artisan using handheld rotary tools and abrasive sands. The final, laborious hand-polishing is what gives the jadeite its highly valued, rich "oily" luster and deep shine. This brilliance is a direct contrast to the drier, often flatter finish seen in post-1980s mass-produced pieces, making it not only a beautiful work of art but a sound investment in disappearing traditional craftsmanship.

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