A 16-PIECE WHITE JADE BELT SET MING DYNASTY

consisting of sixteen plaques: eight rectangular, two rectangular with a rounded side, four tear-shaped and two small rectangular; carved with frolicking deer, the rectangular plaques each containing bucks and does in a pine forest amid lingzhi, the tear-shape plaques containing a single deer, and the small rectangular plaques with lingzhi, all finely carved in openwork on two planes, the bottom layer reticulated with a fine network of cruciforms

Hei-Chi, Jades from the Hei-Chi Collection, Beijing, 2006, pp. 182-185.

There are some small broken areas to the reticulated ground on a few plaques. Some of the plaques also have a few minor chips and breaks to the main composition. But the overall condition is still very good.
"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."

Compare a closely related set of twenty white jade belt plaques sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19^th January 1988, lot 414; and a set of seven comprised of deer and dragon plaques sold in our London rooms, 9^th June 1992, lot 60. For two sets depicting dragons, see a set of nineteen illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji, vol. 9, Beijing, 1991, pl. 281; and a set of fifteen belt plaques, from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. R.H.R. Palmer, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 17^th January 1989, lot 920.

This piece embodies the fine workmanship of carvers working during the Ming dynasty and the two-layer openwork carving is characteristic of the period.