Lot 644
  • 644

A RARE SET OF SILVER-MOUNTED CELADON JADE BELT PLAQUES MING DYNASTY |

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description

  • Jade, silver
  • Longest 4 1/4  in., 10.8 cm
comprising two large rectangular plaques, six medium-sized rectangular plaques, three small rectangular plaques, and six peach-shaped plaques, each carved in openwork with a writhing four-clawed dragon amidst clouds and auspicious emblems, the smallest rectangular with only auspicious emblems over openwork clouds, original silver mountings, the stone of even pale green color, an additional peach-shaped plaque cast in resin (19)

Provenance

Christie's Hong Kong, 1st May 1995, lot 751.

Condition

The jade plaques are generally intact with only minor expected signs of wear, including minute chips, bruises, and/or small losses to the jade, and the silver mountings have expected small dents, occasional breaks, and slight looseness. One of the resin plaques is lacking the silver mounting.
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.

Catalogue Note

A set of nineteen celadon jade belt plaques similarly carved with four-claw dragons belonging to Ming Prince Yizhuang's consort, Wang, excavated from her tomb in Nancheng (Jiangxi) is illustrated in Gu Fang, Zhongguo chutu yuqi quanji: Jiangxi / The Complete Collection of Unearthed Jades in China: Jiangxi, vol. 9, Beijing, 2005, pl. 132. Similar sets of excavated jade plaques from that region and period carved with figures or animals are illustrated in the same volume, ibid., pls 130, 140, and 142. A set of twenty Ming dynasty white jade belt plaques carved in openwork with qilin sold in these rooms, 15th September 2010, lot 215.