A finely carved jade belt plaque Ming dynasty

the oval plaque pierced and intricately carved in varying levels of relief with a pair of sinuous qilong writhing amongst a dense ground of flowering aster sprays, the attenuated bodies of the horned beasts gracefully entwined with the long meandering stems issuing shorter tendrils with delicately curled tips, the stone of very even pale celadon tone, with a matched wood box carved with dragon and floral panels (2)

There are a few minor nicks to the inner rim and extremities of the relief carving, the largest a 0.7by0.6 cm chip to one side along a natural fissure in the stone, which can be expected due to the increased fragility along these natural breaks in the stone. There is some minor expected wear to the underside from use. Overall, however, the plaque is in good condition. The stone is of a slightly more celadon tone than as illustrated in the catalogue photograph.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a similar jade openwork belt plaque sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 2nd October 1991, lot 1388.