A RARE SET OF TWELVE CELADON JADE MING-STYLE 'DRAGON' BELT ORNAMENTS QING DYNASTY

comprising twelve reticulated plaques, four peach-shaped, six rectangular and two rectangular with a rounded short side, each modelled in the form of Ming dynasty belt ornaments depicting a scaly ferocious dragon writhing sinuously amidst lingzhi scrolls, the stone of a pale celadon-white colour with faint inclusions 

Good overall condition, with bruising and losses to the edges of three of the plaques. Other minor bruising and surface wear.
"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."

Jade plaques of this type, which were sewn together to form belts, grew in popularity during the Ming dynasty and continued to be used throughout the Qing dynasty. A set of fifteen similar plaques, also carved with dragons, from the collection of Mr and Mrs R.H.R. Palmer, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 17th January 1989, lot 920; another in the Jiangxi Provincial Museum, Nanchang, is illustrated in Zhongguo Meishu Quanji. Yuqi [Complete collection of Chinese Art. Jade], vol. 9, Beijing, 1991, pl. 281; and a third set was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1st May 1995, lot 751.