A PAIR OF ARCHAIC JADE 'DRAGON' PLAQUES EASTERN ZHOU DYNASTY, WARRING STATES PERIOD

each with a highly stylized curled body, with head turned backwards and upcurled tail, the body carved with spirals in shallow relief on both sides, repeated on the end of the tail and on the head, the speckled stone with patches of pale green and calcification, the edges left rough (2)

Sotheby & Co., London, 24th July 1973, lot 145.

Both plaques are in overall good condition. They show very light overall wear to the surface consistent with their age. On both plaques, the edges are rough on several sides suggesting that they may have been cut down from a larger and/or older piece of jade. The colour of both plaques is of a darker, richer green than the catalogue illustration suggests.
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.