Carved jade 'dragon and phoenix' plaque, Eastern Han Dynasty

A carved jade plaque with relief reliefs on the front. It is in the form of a shield with an oval hole in the centre, with a phoenix and a dragon on either side, which are carved in spiral forms. The reverse is almost smooth and stepped, with engraved details. In good condition with patina.

This type of carved plate was originally used to insert the thumb and hook the string for shooting arrows. In the Han dynasty, it evolved into a thin, flat piece of ornamentation, eventually as a portable talisman. Openly carved animal patterns are a characteristic of Han-dynasty jade, especially those with 'dragon and phoenix'.

Size: 6.8 x 0.8 x 10.5 cm; Weight: 54 g