Chinese Qing Dynasty Nephrite Jade Pendant Of A Phoenix

~ Chinese Qing Dynasty Nephrite Jade Pendant Of A Phoenix ~

A carved nephrite jade pendant/plaque of pale to mid-green mottled colour, depicting a stylised phoenix (fenghuang) with its head turned back over its body, a raised curling crest and wing details to the upper section, set above a pierced and scrolled base carved with sinuous cloud-scroll or chilong-type motifs and openwork "cash" style apertures. The reverse is plain, with the front bearing crisp relief and openwork carving throughout, finished on an integral flattened plinth-style base allowing the piece to stand upright. The stone shows characteristic mottled grey-green colouration with small areas of darker inclusion typical of nephrite.

Historical Context

Carved jade pendants and plaques depicting phoenixes and other auspicious mythical creatures have a long history in Chinese decorative art, with the phoenix (fenghuang) symbolising virtue, grace and the union of yin and yang, often paired conceptually with the dragon. Pierced, openwork plaques of this type, combining a recognisable bird or beast form with scrolling archaistic cloud or chilong motifs, were popular throughout the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) and continued to be produced in a similar style into the early Republic period, often as pendants, belt ornaments, or display pieces for the scholar's desk. The technique of combining solid relief carving with pierced (openwork) sections, as seen here, is typical of skilled lapidary work of this type, and the stone's mottled colouring is consistent with nephrite jade sourced from Chinese or Central Asian deposits commonly used in Qing-period workshops. 

~ Dimensions ~

The piece measures 6 cm (2 ⅓ inches) by 4.5 cm (1 ¾ inches).

It weighs 40 g.

~ Condition ~

The piece is in very nice condition with no damage.

JA#110433IO_981296427*