Bidspirit auction | A set of four decorative

A set of four decorative hardstone flower specimens, characteristic of late Qing Dynasty to early Republic period Chinese export production. These items were likely originally components of larger hardstone 'gem trees' or similar decorative arrangements. Each flower is constructed from thin, translucent petals carved from a pale celadon to off-white hardstone, possibly nephrite or bowenite. Each assembly is built upon a structure of twisted metal wire wrapped in a dark-coloured fibrous material. Several specimens also include a single carved hardstone bud on a separate wire stem.