Chinese jade vase

At least soapstone is easy to i.d. Take a steel tool with a sharp edge and scrape a short ways on the bottom, if you get penetration and white powder residue, it is likely soapstone or some other non-jade soft stone.

A few observations, none I'd regard as conclusive, but they may reveal something about where these fit in the quality scale: Note that the separate top piece, say above 20" on the ruler, is a darker stone with different grain. Base is separate piece, also different, Chips on the dragon handles show up white, assuming they are chips. Carving on the dragons is a bit "mechanical" looking, or whatever you'd call carving that doesn't show much talent. FWIW.

 

Im sure that it's jade and not soapstone. soapstone. As for the top above the 20 inch mark it's removable and is darker. There aren't any chips on it in that spot you mentioned. I do agree that it maybe a modern piece and could be mechanically made.

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Here's some other jade for sale, I was looking to see if I could find anything comparable. This list has jade with starting or BIN prices up into mid 5 figures. http://www.ebay.com/sch/Other-Chine...2FReproduction=Original&_pgn=3&_skc=100&rt=nc

 

Might add that most of the really high prices are just silly. I guess you are supposed to think you'll be getting a huge bargain since yesterday's price was $59,999. and today it is only $39,999! Look at some of the junk they've put those silly prices on. I suspect whomever listed those items has a very low opinion of the intelligence of the buyers. Maybe they're right?