gems, jade, Chinese jade, nephrite, Chinese jade carving, jadeite, fei cui

Bedford provides a concise introduction to jade and other hardstone carvings for collectors, discussing the materials employed, their identification, workmanship, dating, and appreciation. Particular attention is given to Chinese jade carving, including the distinction between nephrite and jadeite, characteristic forms and decorative motifs, and the changing styles of different periods. Other hardstones and related carved materials are considered alongside jade, with examples illustrating differences in material, technique, and artistic treatment. Written primarily as a collector’s guide rather than a technical gemological study, the book offers an introduction to assessing carved hardstones in their historical and artistic context.