A fine and rare large Imperial white jade 'dragon' plaque Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

of rectangular form, carved in raised relief with a frontal facing dragon on a ground of lingzhi clouds, the reverse carved with a boy breaking into the side of a ripe pomegranate, below a square seal reading Liukai Baizi, 'pomegranate revealing one hundred sons', the top and bottom carved with ruyi clouds, pierced on the top and on the bottom the stone of even white tone with faint streaks of gold veins, stand

The overall condition is very good with no chips or nicks. The stone has a few faint streaks of golden veins to one side.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although archaistic dragons were frequently employed as decorative motifs on the borders of plaques, it is rare to find examples carved with a central motif of front-facing dragons. This densely carved swirling design also provides a surprising contrast with the reverse, which pictures a more typical small figural scene against a plain background. The auspicious symbolism of the image of the boy tearing into a large pomegranate is reiterated in the square seal carved above him, which reads luikai baizi ('pomegranate revealing one hundred sons') hence the wish for many sons. This piece is also unusual in the combination of the auspicious seal and its pictorial representation together on one side, rather than the typical arrangement of the inscription on one side and its illustration on the reverse.

For a plaque of this waisted rectangular form and framed with ruyi-shaped clouds, but carved with three goats on one side and a four-character seal on the other, see one sold in these rooms, 6^th December 1978, lot 1158.