Description
This 2.50-inch Buddha carving is shaped from natural white jade, valued for its smooth texture and soft, milky translucence. Artisans carve the figure with balanced proportions, rounded robes, and a calm facial expression that suits the stone’s gentle luster.
The polish enhances the jade’s subtle glow, highlighting fine variations in the stone’s tone—from creamy white to faint hints of pale green typical of natural jadeite and nephrite varieties.
Geological Background
“White jade” is a trade term used for pale varieties of nephrite or jadeite, depending on locality. Chinese white jade is historically associated with nephrite, a calcium-magnesium amphibole prized for its toughness and even grain.
Nephrite forms through low-grade metamorphism where magnesium-rich rocks interact with calcium-bearing fluids, creating dense interlocking fibers. This structure makes the stone exceptionally durable and ideal for fine carving.
Scientific Classification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Silicate – Amphibole Group (Nephrite) |
| Chemical Formula | Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Mohs Hardness | 6 – 6.5 |
| Primary Locality | China |
History & Cultural Context
Jade has held a central place in Chinese art for thousands of years, often referred to as the “Stone of Heaven” in historical texts. It was used for ceremonial objects, personal ornaments, ancestral carvings, and symbolic figures.
Carvings of the Buddha became widespread throughout East Asia, representing ideals of peace, contemplation, and understanding within various artistic traditions. White jade’s smooth surface and calm coloration make it especially suited to depictions of seated or standing Buddha forms.
This carving reflects a modern continuation of a long-standing jade craftsmanship heritage in China.
Symbolism & Design Interpretation
Without metaphysical claims, this carving naturally conveys:
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Serenity, through the Buddha’s composed posture
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Elegance, highlighted by white jade’s soft luminosity
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Traditional artistry, shown in the smooth shaping and polished lines
It suits collectors of cultural carvings, jade figurines, and small sculptural décor.
Aesthetic & Collector Evaluation
At 2.50 inches, this Buddha carving has enough height to show clear detail while remaining compact for shelves or display cases. Natural variations in white jade ensure each piece has its own subtle shading, giving every carving an individual character.
Care & Handling
Clean gently with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive surfaces. Store away from harder minerals to maintain the polish.










