Circular Powder Box Appraisal

Chinese Spinach Jade Circular Powder Box

This item is a small, circular powder box or vanity jar carved from dark green spinach jade, likely nephrite. The piece features a deep forest green hue with characteristic mottled inclusions and darker 'spinach' flecks scattered throughout the stone, which provide a naturally variegated texture. Its construction follows a minimalist aesthetic, consisting of a cylindrical body with a slightly domed, flush-fitting lid that creates a seamless profile when closed. The exterior surface has been polished to a soft, waxy luster rather than a high gloss, which is typical of traditional nephrite craftsmanship. The walls appear to be of uniform thickness, suggesting skilled hand-carving. In terms of condition, the piece shows a well-preserved surface with minor surface abrasions consistent with age and domestic use. There are no visible large cracks or significant chips on the exterior body, though the interior rim may have the micro-flea bites common to stone-on-stone contact. Stylistically, this piece reflects late 19th to early 20th-century Chinese lapidary work, often produced for the export market or as part of a traditional dressing table set. The quality is indicated by the evenness of the stone's color and the precision of the lid's fit, which requires careful hand-finishing.