"Double dragon" jade plaque, Qing dynasty

Yellow jade 黃玉 (Huáng yù) from Hetian in the form of a plate carved on both sides. It changes from inside to outside with caramel-coloured spots on the surface. The front face has two dragons facing each other, and the back face has curling clouds. In the centre is an empty space. At the upper end it is tied with a cord and a bead (posterior). In very good condition. It represents the ‘雙龍太極’ (Double dragon Tai Chi) which according to Taoist ideology is a concept of duality that refers to opposite but complementary fundamental forces. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 6.3 x 1.3 x 4.3 cm

Weight: 76 g

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.