Lot 345: A CHINESE ARCHAIC STYLE RETICULATED JADE PLAQUE OF A MYTHICAL BEAST

A Chinese nephrite jade plaque carved in openwork from a stone of yellowish-celadon colour featuring dark brown and russet inclusions. The piece depicts a mythical beast, possibly a bixie, rendered in a dynamic S-curved pose with its head turned sharply back towards a bifid scrolling tail. The beast is detailed with a prominent crest, a pointed snout, and circular eyes. The body surfaces are decorated with incised comma-spiral patterns and fluid line work indicating musculature. The composition is supported on a narrow rectangular base with vertical fluted notches. Both faces of the plaque are carved with similar detail. No maker’s marks, reign marks, or inscriptions are visible on the object. The style references archaic forms from the Han Dynasty.

L: 7.5cm