A set of twenty carved jade belt plaques, Ming dynasty

A set of 20 belt plaques carved in jade with the back surface smooth and the front surface carved in several layers. The back is openwork with a brocade look and is set as a background to relief figures on the front that cover almost the entire surface. The details are shown to be intricately carved, and the depth can be seen. With the exception of the four vertical pieces depicting lotus bunches with birds, the rest feature a coiled dragon in the middle. The jade is light-coloured with a slight reddish tinge. In very good, unbroken condition.

There are eight rectangular pieces in the set, two larger ones in the shape of fish tails, six in the shape of peaches, and four vertical ones. The larger plaques depict lotuses or birds in the corners. In addition, the tails of the dragons end in a cloud pattern and appear to be surrounded by flames. The pieces required for a belt numbered 20 and were arranged in a specific order. Seven of the rectangular pieces were placed at the back and the eighth in the centre of the front. The largest fish-shaped pieces were placed at the sides, followed by the peach-shaped ones, with the four rectangular pieces separating them.

Leather belts with plaques of jade and other precious materials such as ivory, silver and precious stones are recorded in court records. Of these, jade was considered to be of the highest rank. Most of them were carved creating several layers because they are more elaborate. Thus, the jade belt was considered a status symbol in the imperial court of the Ming dynasty and could only be worn by officials of the first grade and above.

Size. Rectangular pieces: 4.90 x 6.70 cm; Large rectangular pieces: 5 x 12.40 cm; Peach-shaped pieces: 4.80 x 5 cm; Vertical pieces: 4.90 x 2 cm; Approximate thickness: 0.70 cm

Total weight: 746 g

Provenance: Private European collection.