A pair of natural jade turtles, dark black-brown carapace pattern longevity decoration

Product Description

This is a pair of two turtle ornaments made of natural jade (天然玉) in shades of deep dark brown to black. These small jade sculptures feature a rounded, raised shell, distinctive faces, and low, stable bodies. ■ Size and Weight • Width approx. 7.5cm, Length approx. 4.5cm • Total weight of both pieces: 220g • Both turtles are being sold together. ■ Original Color of Uncolored Natural Jade The deep dark brown base, which appears black, features areas of dark brown and yellowish-brown. This is the natural color of the jade itself, not an artificial coloring. Depending on the viewing angle and light, the contrast between the dark base and the brown sections changes, providing a calm yet deep impression. A subtle luster appears on the smooth curves of the back, and color variations around the head, neck, and feet highlight the contours of the carving. The color distribution differs slightly between the two pieces, allowing you to appreciate their individual personalities. ■ Tortoise Shell Pattern (龜甲文) The rounded, thick shell is engraved with polygonal tortoise shell patterns using intaglio (陰刻). A border line is drawn around the edge of the shell to distinguish the shell from the body. When viewed from above, the arrangement of the tortoise shell patterns is clearly visible, and when viewed from the side, you can appreciate the contrast between the curved back and the low-set four legs. ■ Turtle Carvings with Lifelike Expressions The head expresses a powerful and humorous expression by emphasizing the eyebrows and snout. This is a carving in the style of an auspicious beast (瑞獸), adding decorative elements based on the actual appearance of a turtle. Claw lines are engraved on the short, sturdy four legs, and a small tail is also present at the back. The characteristic feature is the concise and powerful expression of form rather than delicate realistic depiction. The contrast between the rounded back and the angular head gives them a sense of presence despite their small size. ■ Decorative Value as a Pair While the two pieces harmonize in overall shape and carving style, there are slight differences in their faces, back contours, and coloring. Placing them facing each other creates a friendly atmosphere, while placing them side-by-side brings out the unity of the pair. Traditionally, the turtle is a symbol of longevity (長壽). They are perfect for display in a study, on a desk, or in a display cabinet, carrying the wish for a long and healthy life. Since the bottom is flat, they can also be used as small paperweights (文鎭). ■ Condition The overall forms of the heads, four legs, and shells are well-preserved. As there are signs of use, such as minor scratches on the surfaces and bottoms, please check the photos. The production era and origin are unverified; this description focuses on the natural color of the jade and the aesthetic value of the turtle carvings themselves. A pair of jade turtles featuring deep natural colors, rounded shells engraved with tortoise shell patterns, and distinctive expressions.

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