Jade (untested) - China - 19th-20th Century

1. Seal with an auspicious-animal finial (Qing)

· Dimensions: 6.0 × 2.0 × 2.5 cm
· Weight: 54 g

2. Dark green jade belt buckle (plate) with design of an “auspicious animal holding a coin in its mouth”

· Dimensions: 5.5 × 1.6 × 4.3 cm
· Weight: 65 g

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I. Seal with an auspicious-animal finial

· The finial of the seal is a wangtianhou (mythical animal that looks to the sky) carved in the round. The creature stands upright, head lifted toward the heavens, mouth open showing teeth, with a majestic and dynamic expression. On the back are circular hillock-like motifs (shaped like nipples) carved in bas-relief, with flowing lines and exquisite craftsmanship.
· The wangtianhou is a traditional auspicious creature that symbolizes expelling bad spirits, attracting good fortune, protection, and gradual ascent. It is a classic theme in Qing-dynasty study seals, highly valued by scholars and collectors.
· The piece is in generally good condition. The jade is warm and smooth, with a natural patina. It shows no cracks or obvious impacts, only minor signs of use with time, consistent with the natural aging of Qing-dynasty jade.

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II. Dark green jade belt buckle with design of an “auspicious animal holding a coin in its mouth”

· On the obverse, by means of bas-relief, an auspicious animal (pixiu, a mythical creature that attracts wealth) is depicted holding a coin in its mouth. The animal has very wide eyes, a majestic expression, and its body is covered with fine incised lines representing its fur. On the belly is a background of turtle shell and motifs of copper coins (square-in-circle), symbolizing the attraction of wealth and continued prosperity.
· The theme of the “auspicious animal holding a coin” is a classic good-luck motif from the Qing dynasty. The pixiu is a beast said to attract wealth, and coin motifs symbolize abundance. Taken together, it represents the wish for large earnings, fortune, prosperity, and protection from evil. It is a traditional accessory for both attire and desk objects.
· The piece is in generally good condition. The jade is oiled and smooth, with a thick patina and sharp carvings. It shows only natural veinings typical of the stone in some areas, which do not affect its integrity or collectible value.
Both pieces embody traditional auspicious meanings and combine utilitarian, decorative, and collectible value. They constitute classic categories within antique jade collecting.