Ceremonial yellow jade plaque “Mythical Beasts,” Han dynasty

Imposing ceremonial plaque made of pale yellow jade, with ochre and brown veins, in the shape of an archaic ritual axe. The piece displays extraordinary carving and openwork. The edges of the blade are adorned with intertwined chilong dragons on one side and elegant phoenixes on the other, all crowned by the figure of a Bixi, or mythical beast with its head raised. The surface of the blade is finely incised with overlapping taotie masks.

Size: 20 x 1.1 x 8.3 cm

Weight: 290 g

Provenance:

· Tommy Lam Collection, Hong Kong, since 1980