Jade plaque "peace", Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Yellow jade 黃玉 (Huáng yù) from Hetian in the form of a plaque, carved on both sides. On the front face it has an elephant with a treasure vase and a boy holding a "ruyi". On the opposite face it has a lucky "shou" character and a seal. In very good condition.

An elephant carrying a vase, according to the auspicious pattern "太平有象", means "peace" and the child holding the "ruyi" is related to "good luck". The depiction of elephants (xiang) were recurrent in the Qing dynasty court and are associated with good omens. The Chinese term is used to convey peace, prosperity and good fortune. It is very common to use a punning meaning in jade carvings.

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

Size: 7.5 x 1 x 4.6 cm; Weight: 82 g