White jade plaque ‘Dragons and phoenixes’, Eastern Han dynasty

A horizontal ornamental plaque carved from milky-white jade with areas of ochre patina. It has a slightly arched upper profile and curved side edges, forming a fan-shaped outline. The structure is completely fretworked with an intricate symmetrical design: in the centre is an oval motif in reserve, flanked by compositions of intertwined bodies of serpentine-bodied dragons and beaked-headed phoenixes with folded wings and spiralling tails. These figures are integrated between curves and spirals, some with incised details such as scales, feathers and dotted eyes. The design, both in terms of technique and symbolism, is related to the auspicious iconography of the nobility. 

Size: 5.2 x 0.4 x 11.1 cm

Attached gemological certificate made by Hong Kong Kowloon Jade & Jewellery Laboratory LDT, in 2023.

Weight: 31 g

Provenance:

· Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980