Carved jade "Gui" board with inscription, Song dynasty

Hetian "青白玉" (Qīng báiyù) greenish-white jade carved with engraved inscriptions. Object with an elongated and flat shape, similar to a plaque, with rounded edges. The lower part is wider and sharper, it is pointed at the ends and concave in the centre. At the head it has three extremities on each side and in the centre a hole to be held, either with a cord or a handle. It shows patina and is in very good condition for the antique. 

It is a "圭" (Gui) a ritual object, which in ancient times was considered one of the "six auspicious". It could be made of jade, bronze or wood and different sizes varying according to the title or purpose. One of the main uses was in the "朝拜" (cháo bài) ceremony when ministers or subjects knelt before the emperor. It was also applied in Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, funerals, recruitment and sacrificial ceremonies.

Those made of jade were for official positions. From the Shang dynasty to the Ming-Qing eras, pieces have been found in tombs of very high status. On the front face it has a long engraved text signed "修内司玉作所製" (done Shunai Tsukasa Gyokusakusho), who may be an owner or the author of the text. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, since 1980.

References: National Palace Museum "Jade Gui Tablet".

Size: 25.5 x 5.7 cm; Weight: 218 g