Carved in the form of a vertical open magnolia flower, the celadon coloured jade is hollowed out to create a smooth cup within. The overlapping petals are subtly and delicately sculpted – each flower encircled by a ring of smaller petals around its base, and supported by an openwork integral stand of magnolia buds and gnarled branches.
The magnolia represents the fifth month in the year, and is also symbolic of feminine beauty. Medicinally, the flower has been used as a stimulant from ancient times.
Similar example: Jade: Ch’ing Dynasty Treasures from the National Museum of History, Taiwan, 1997 – illustrates a jade carving of magnolia blossoms and butterflies.
