This toggle is carved from a single piece of carnelian agate of a rich brownish-orange tone and utilizes the naturally occurring white layer to produce a cameo of an elderly man, possibly a Taoist figure. The reverse is carved with a monkey climbing a banana tree with what appears to be a ruyi fungus. There are several holes or pits incorporated into the design, three of which are carved through allowing for attachment to a cord or chain. The deep colored stone has a few areas of lighter and darker shades running through it, and a few minor flaws. Acquired in the 1960s from a South Carolina collection.

Height: 1 5/8 in., 1 ¼ in., Width: 1 ¼ in., Thickness: 7/8 in.

This pendant is carved in the shape of a peach and pomegranate in an orange-toned semi-translucent stone, having a slightly reddish tone toward the flower end of the pomegranate. The carving is of flattened low-relief form and the stone has a fairly high polish that has mellowed somewhat from wear. Good condition.

Length: 1 ¼ in., Width: 1 in., Thickness: up to ¼ in.

This semi-translucent stone is carved in high relief on the bottom in the form of a lotus leaf with pods and buds and stems. It is jade-green in areas and almost clear in others and it shows the numerous flaws running through the stone typical of so-called green quartz (actually fluorite). There are numerous chips and losses around the rim edges. It is accompanied by a fitted carved hardwood stand that has losses to two of its feet.

Length 7 in., Width: 4 ¾ in., Height: 1 3/8 in.

Carved on one side is an old gnarled pine tree growing out of a rocky outcrop. The vase is of a flattened ovoid shape with a rectangular foot that is hollowed to the base. The stone has a white jade-like quality, but is probably a type of serpentine. The tree is carved in high relief with some under-carving, giving it a feeling of being carved almost in the round. The stone is flecked with silvery inclusions and very light brownish veining in a few places. It retains its soft, even polish. There are a couple of very tiny, thought not very noticeable chips and wear to the mouth rim from use and age. Otherwise, it is in very good condition.

Height: 4 ¾ in., Width: 3 ½ in., Thickness: 1 ½ in.

This jade pendant is well-carved with a design of peony flowers and leaves in low relief. The carving extends to the back, though simpler and flatter. It is a deep green with areas of lighter mottling, but when held to the light, it shows a brilliant translucent apple-green. It has an old probably 14k gold jump ring for attachment.

Length: 1 ½ in., Width: ¾ in., Thickness: 1/16 in.

This clear quartz stone is carved in the form of a mountain with tall peaks to accommodate five or six small calligraphy brushes. The front has a “ruyi” carved in low relief among rocky outcroppings across its slightly convex facade. The backside is flat and uncarved and reveals the natural flaws in the clear stone. It has a soft polish overall and an even wear. Acquired in Osaka, Japan in the 1970s.

Height: 1 ½ in., Length: 3 3/8 in., Width: ½ in.

This carved jade pumpkin is suspended from a braided green silk cord embellished with jade and hardstone beads and white jade leaves. The length is adjustable by pulling the white beads at the top. The overall length is about 13 inches. The pumpkin carving is:

Diameter: 1 in., Thickness: 3/8 in.

This serpentine stone displays a yellowish buff color against a mottled blackish tone to produce a mountainous landscape effect. It is tubular in form and set upon 3 carved feet. It has a soft polish on the both the exterior and interior. The base is unpolished and exhibits its original carved surface. There are several small chips and evidence of wear around the rim, otherwise it is in good condition. It was likely used to hold short incense sticks. Acquired from a North Carolina estate in the mid 1980s.

Height: 3 ¼ in., Diameter: 1 5/8 in.

Carved from a jade-like hardstone (possibly serpentine). Rectangular form with a slightly raised grinding surface bordered by a narrow, raised perimeter with a carved depression for water at the top end. Very good condition with no cracks. There is some wear to the grinding surface and to the base. Old patina with old light soiling.

4 ½ in. x 3 3/8 in. x ¾ in.

The stone is of a mottled celadon to a pale creamy tone. The interior well appears to have originally been covered in lacquer, with some remnants still visible. The stone retains a soft polish and patina from handling. The round base is slightly raised and the piece fits very very nicely in the hand. Good condition, no chips or cracks.

Diameter: 2 ½ in., Height: 1 ½ in.

This celadon jade cup has two handles, a slightly pronounced rim, and is set on a raised foot. The body is carved with three lines of raised knobs along the sides, with two straight, vertical handles on opposite sides. The stone is of a very light translucent celadon tone with a whitish patch that has a reddish-brown outline near the foot. The base of one handle has an indented and polished area, and a carved line under the overhang of the handle. The other handle has a more squared base, with no carved line under the overhang. A small dark inclusion can be seen on the interior well of the bowl. Overall, it is in good condition. Acquired from a Virginia estate around 1990.

Length across handles: 4 ¼ in., Diameter of bowl: 2 5/8 in., Height: 1 3/8 in.

Even, whitish celadon tone, intricately pierced and carved on both sides with a scene of a daoist immortal rowing his log craft over the waves. A crane flies overhead symbolizing wishes for longevity. The raft terminates in a pine tree. The pine tree along with a flower basket in the center, are symbols of one of the eight immortals, Lan Caihe. This plaque was original intended to be used as a pendant ornament. There are two small holes in both the top and bottom edges to permit a fine silk cord to be inserted for suspension. One side of the carving retains an old collector’s inventory label. The plaque was fitted at a later date with a carved hardwood display stand permitting it to be used as a miniature table screen.

Stone height: 2 3/8 in.; width: 3 in. Height with stand: 3 ½ in.

This jade tube is a celadon green with lighter inclusions that create mountain landscape-like patterns throughout. It has a soft even polish overall, including the interior and it is slightly translucent when held to the light. There are a few small nicks and minor abrasions to the rims, but it is in generally good condition. The interior is cut slightly off-center.

Height: 3 ¾ in., Diameter: 2 1/8 in.

The body is formed by a fairly thinly turned jade tube that is fitted with a turned hardwood plug for the base. The wooden bottom is visible on the interior base of the jade tube and it is turned to form a stand that compliments the simplicity of the jade form. The jade is slightly yellowish to pale celadon and has white veining on one side with brown inclusions on the other, creating patterns resembling clouds or a landscape. The stone is slightly translucent with a satiny luster that adds to the overall effect. Purchased in the mid 1980s from a collection in North Carolina.

Height: 5 1/8 in. with base; Diameter: 2 7/16 in.

This pendant is carved on both sides in the form of a peach hanging from a leafy stem. It is suspended from a twisted gold wire loop from a small pierced hole at the top. The semi-translucent stone is a very pale pink tone with whitish inclusions. Acquired from a Southern Pines, North Carolina estate.

Length: 2 in., Width: 1 5/8 in., Thickness: 5/16 in.