Nephrite snuffbox known as “chicken bone,” China, 1750–1850 Rounded and flattened in shape, it rests on a flat base, and the neck is very slightly flared. The beige-colored nephrite displays a lovely patina and a few natural fissures, likely resulting from the treatment it underwent. Chalcedony stopper. Height: 5 cm The color and texture of this jade, known as “calcified” or “chicken bone,” result from firing the nephrite at a very high temperature to mimic the gray-beige patina of ancient jades transformed by centuries spent in the damp soil of tombs.