Lao Tzu Jadeite Figure -Rediscovered

  • Jadeite Figure objects Conservation
  • Jadeite Figure Lao-Tze
  • Lao-Tze objects Conservation
  • Jadeite Figure

    • Case Study: Jadeite Figure of Lao Tzu

    The legend says that Lao Tzu was travelling with his donkey, going from town to town when he was approached by an emperor’s messenger. The emperor wanted him to join his court, since it was commonly known that Lao Tzu was a very wise man.
    Lao Tzu was very courteous in turning down the messenger – thanking both him and the emperor – and saying that it was impossible.
    While the messenger left, Lao Tzu washed his ears, along with the ears of the donkey, and he was approached by a man who asked, “What are you doing, sir?”
    “I am washing my ears, since even a messenger whose reasons are political is dangerous,” replied Lao Tzu. The man, still puzzled, asked again “But why wash the donkey’s ears?”
    Lao Tzu replied “Donkey’s are political animals. Ever since the messenger arrived, he’s become very egoistic. I personally don’t understand the language of the court, but he does, because there are similar donkeys there. The language they speak is one and the same.”
    The man laughed, and it is said that later on when the emperor was told this story, he also laughed.

    This Jadeite representation of Lao Tzu, a finely carved figure, arrived at our studio bearing the marks of a deeply unfortunate prior restoration. The figure had been broken—most notably at the neck—and reassembled using excessive and inappropriate adhesive materials that obscured the original craftsmanship and compromised the structural integrity of the piece.

    Initial Assessment and Adhesive Removal

    The first priority at our Objects Conservation department was to remove all residual adhesive from the previous intervention. The bonding agent had seeped beyond the fracture line, leaving visible residues on the surface and interfering with the stone’s natural luster.
    Using controlled solvent application and mechanical reduction under magnification, we carefully released the head from the body, preserving the surrounding carved details and minimizing risk to the fragile edges.
    Once separated, we thoroughly cleaned the contact surfaces, revealing the granular fracture typical of jadeite. This granular breakage pattern, while aesthetically disruptive, provided valuable clues about the nature of the original damage and the potential for accurate aligning and reintegration.

    Rediscovering the Original Orientation

    During the cleaning process, a remarkable discovery emerged: the original posture of the head had been misaligned in the previous restoration.
    When repositioned frontally, the contact surfaces aligned with a much better precision, suggesting that the figure had been reattached at an incorrect angle.

    By restoring the correct orientation, we were able to reestablish the intended expression and posture of Lao Tzu.

    Filling and Reintegration

    Our approach prioritized reversibility and visual integration using conservation-grade materials that matched the translucency and hue of the surrounding stone. The challenge lay not only in color matching but in replicating the surface polish.

    Achieving Surface Harmony

    Jadeite possesses a vitreous luster—a glass-like sheen that reflects light with subtle depth and clarity. Achieving this same degree of polish on the filled areas was the most technically demanding aspect of the treatment.
    Through a combination of progressive micro-abrasion, polishing compounds, and using raking and transmitted light, we were able to match the surface finish of the fills in this figure.

    To preserve the figure’s condition, we advised the following:

    • Stable relative humidity between 45–55%, avoiding fluctuations that may stress the adhesive joint
    • Low UV lighting to prevent photochemical degradation and color alteration of the fills.
    • Handling with gloves and padded supports to minimize abrasion and oil transfer

    Jade and Jadeite: A Carving Tradition Across Cultures

    The art of jade carving spans over 7,000 years, with deep cultural roots in regions such as China, Mesoamerica, and New Zealand. Early civilizations revered jade—particularly nephrite—for its toughness and symbolic power, crafting ritual objects, tools, and ornaments that embodied spiritual and social ideals. In China, jade was considered the “Stone of Heaven,” associated with virtue, immortality, and imperial authority. The introduction of jadeite from Burma in the 18th century revolutionized Chinese carving traditions, offering a broader palette of vivid greens and translucent hues that elevated jadeite to luxury status. Across cultures, jade carvings have served as expressions of identity, reverence, and artistry—each piece reflecting the values and techniques of its time.

    Jade vs. Jadeite: Understanding the Difference

    The term jade refers to two distinct mineral species: nephrite and jadeite, both prized for their beauty and cultural significance but differing in composition and characteristics. Nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate, is typically found in creamy white to deep green hues and is known for its exceptional toughness due to its fibrous structure. Jadeite, a sodium aluminum silicate, is rarer and often more vividly colored—ranging from emerald green to lavender, white, and even black. While both are classified as jade in the art and antiques world, jadeite is generally harder and more translucent, making it especially valuable in high-end carvings and jewelry. Understanding this distinction is essential in conservation, as each type responds differently to environmental stress, adhesives, and polishing techniques.