Khotan Hetian Nephrite Jade Sculptures. Pair. Cockeral. Cock. Rooster. China.
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This nephrite jade comes from the head waters of the Yurungkash River (Kulun Mountains), just north of the Hotan in the Xinjiang Province in western China. It’s color is a whitish green celadon.
Artisans carve and polish to a semi-opaque tone…. and then hand polish with bamboo reeds. Quite spectacular. The Mohs Scale is in the mid-5s.
In traditional Chinese culture, the rooster symbolizes punctuality and honesty. But there is a lot more: roosters also symbolize bravery and competitiveness; roosters are ghost hunters, chasing way spirits before the new day; roosters are related to the sun god, when they crow in dawns early light; and finally, luck. Quite a repertoire for a bird.
This jade pair is for the Serious Collector.