A WHITE JADE BELT PLAQUE TANG DYNASTY OR LATER |

carved in relief to one side with a musician, possibly of Central Asian origin, seated on an oval mat playing a pipa, the figure enclosed within an undulating frame, the other side possibly later-carved with a sinewy coiled dragon encircling a floret amidst clouds extending over the top edge of the plaque, pierced for suspension, the stone of a pure white color

Collection of Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978).

In overall good condition, except for a small bruise to the lower right corner, measuring approx. 0.4 cm wide and a few minute nicks and bruises along the bottom edge on the reserve side. Possible repolishing to the surface. The actual color is more white compared to the catalogue illustration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Plaques such as the present example were produced from the early Tang dynasty in sets to adorn belts, with each plaque variously carved with musicians playing different instruments or as servers bearing tribute. Many of the figures are dressed in Central Asian style, in keeping with the fashion seen on foreigners in the Tang dynasty capital. A belt set comprised of sixteen similarly carved white jade plaques was excavated at Heijiacun, Xi'an, Shaanxi province in 1970 and was included in the exhibition Gilded Dragons, Buried Treasures from China's Golden Ages, The British Museum, London, 1999, cat. no. 65. A single example, carved with a musician playing a pipe, is illustrated in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 25:2.