In 2026, the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, begins on February 17. According to the Chinese zodiac, it is the Year of the Horse. Horses are important animals in Chinese culture and mythology, and they have appeared in decorative arts since prehistoric times. As in many cultures, there were stories of mythological horses, often with magical properties or features like wings; and horses belonging to or ridden by historical and legendary figures; but ordinary horses are worthy subjects, too. They are frequently depicted with riders, as in scenes that show battles, journeys, or everyday life, but they also appear in natural states.

This 12-inch-long carved jade horse figure, which sold at LEOnard Auction for $244, is lying down, with no saddle or bridle. China has a long history of jade animal carvings, dating back at least to the Shang dynasty, which began about 1600 B.C. These early carvings would have been made from the pale, calcium-rich variety of jade called nephrite, sometimes called “mutton fat” jade. Dark green jadeite (not to be confused with the mid-20th century opaque glass with the same name), like the carving shown here, was introduced to China in the 18th century. Jade horse figures are believed to be symbols of peace and prosperity, always welcome wishes for a new year.

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Q: I have a rocking chair that belonged to my grandmother. It has a cane seat and back, a curved top, and scrolled arms. I would like to know if it is antique or not, and if it is worth anything. How can I find that out?

A: A general rule for estimating the age of furniture from your family’s history is to take your age and add 25 years for each previous generation. So, if the chair is your grandmother’s, a good guess for its age is your age plus 50 years (25 years for your parents’ generation, 25 years for your grandmother’s).

However, it’s important to remember that this gives you an approximation, not an exact date, and it is usually the earliest likely date for the item. You’re right that not everything that belonged to your grandmother is necessarily antique. Family history often makes household items, especially furniture, seem older than they are, and the legal definition of an “antique” includes an age of at least 100 years old. Your grandmother’s chair is probably from the 20th century.

Cane chairs, which had been made in Europe since the late 1600s and became popular, especially in America, in the Victorian era, experienced another surge in popularity in the early to mid-20th century. Designers (and consumers) appreciated the material’s lightness and considered cane seats more comfortable than solid wood and more hygienic than upholstery. Unfortunately, their popularity also means that many companies made them over many years, making it difficult to definitively identify and date them. Similar rocking chairs to your grandmother’s can be found at auctions and shops for under $100.

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TIP: To test a piece of jade to see if it is real, use a small penknife. Rub the tip of the knife across the bottom of the piece until there is a mark. A white line means the knife scratched the stone, and it is not jade. A black line means the stone scratched the blade, and it is probably jade.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Advertising, poster, Po Sing Fireworks Fty., stylized center fireworks display, Peacock logo, yellow ground, multicolor firecrackers around border, American Importers Inc., cardboard, 30 x 20 inches, $35.

Baccarat, vase, cut glass, urn shape, flared lip, short pedestal foot, square base, 9 inches, $65.

Toy, carriage, movable canopy, silver, red body, painted, cast iron, 6 x 5 inches, $110.

Jewelry, pin, pierced leafy scrolls, large blue faceted stone, two small pearls, five chain pendants, blue stones, pearls, heart shape drops, Pegasus mark, Coro, 3 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches, $125.

Rug, Tibetan, two dragons, multicolor clouds, golden yellow field, fringe, wool, 20th century, 36 x 72 inches, $195.

Furniture, chair, Milo Baughman, Chippendale style, chrome, open fretwork back, black leather seat, open arms, Design Institute of America, mid-20th century, 39 inches, pair, $375.

Moorcroft Pottery, vase, peacock feathers, flared base, decorator’s cipher, mark, Moorcroft, Made in England, c. 1930, 9 inches, $535.

Pottery-contemporary, bowl, black and white, pictorial, all-over stylized animals, turned in rim, tapered base, hand coiled, signed, John F. Aragon, Acoma Pueblo, 6 x 7 1/2 inches, $965.