White jade plaque, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period

Ziwang plaque (子岡牌) of Hetian white jade of fine quality, even appearance, smooth and moist. Carved in the Qing dynasty year 1750 of the Qianlong era. These cards were very popular in the Ming-Qing period and their main use was as a decorative accessory for clothing, worn by the most influential. As for the origin of the name, it is due to the master jade carver Lu Zigang (子岡) who left his stamp on every work. Above is a string with an agate bead from the Zhou dynasty.

The main patterns were landscapes, flowers and birds, figures and animals. In this case, two figures are depicted seated on chairs around a table. The opposite side is decorated with poems and the 'Zigang' seal. The shape is usually elongated, sometimes square, with a cut-out edge. The frame around both cartouches is reminiscent of the primal forms carved in jade. 

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

References: Sotheby's "Chinese Art", Hong Kong, 28 November 2018, lot 455.

Size: 7.2 x 5 cm; Thickness: 0.9 cm; Weight: 90 g