Jade panel “Archaic Dragons” with carved wooden frame, Qing dynasty

An ornamental panel consisting of a rectangular wooden structure finely carved with auspicious cloud motifs and curling forms in high relief, framing a central beige-toned Hetian jade plaque with brown and ochre veins. The jade centrepiece has an elongated, curved shape, with a circular disc in the centre, with a grooved surface, surrounded by delicate fretwork of mythical beasts. On either side of the central disc are two symmetrical figures that may be interpreted as stylized archaic dragons, with curved bodies, fierce gazes and incised decorations of geometric lines and rouleaux that evoke Bronze Age designs. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 23.5 × 6 × 27 cm