AN OPENWORK WHITE JADE DRAGON PLAQUE Early Ming dynasty, 15th centuryAN OPENWORK WHITE JADE DRAGON PLAQUEEarly Ming dynasty, 15th centuryFinely carved in relief a five-claw dragon with arms and legs outstretched over a pierced layer of fruiting leafy vines, enclosed by a half-rounded frame with rounded corners, the back polished flat, the translucent stone with silvery grey inclusions. 3 x 2 1/2in (7.6 x 5.9cm)明早期 白玉透雕龍紋牌飾Compare the similar openwork jade dragon plaque with peony flowers, discovered at the Xilin pagoda in Songjiang district, Shanghai, illustrated in Jade Wares of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing Unearthed from Shanghai, Shanghai, 2001, pp. 96-97, no. 62, described as early Ming dynasty. The present lot shares a few characteristics with the Xilin pagoda example: the dragon's right-claw holds into a 'fist', a lower layer of dense foliage ground, and a thin square border.