The Chinese character yu is always translated into English as jade. Although jade is popularly thought of in the West as a greenish material, In China, it has always been white jade that has traditionally been more highly prized than green. Red jade is even more rare than the various greens in all its variations. The red material is actually the ‘skin’ on white jade boulders. In this carving representing a gourd, the darker red fades subtly in lighter hues of the same rusts and golds. The double pierced sections reveal shades of red to be a top layer of the piece. The reverse side is white throughout. This carving is striking in contrast and will strike countless conversation on why the grass in not necessarily greener on either side. The piece measures approximately 31 x 19 mm. Circa: mid-20th century Country of origin: Burma.