The Chinese green jade plaque carved in shape of a Traditional Musical Gong (Qin), is a ministerial emblem and a symbol of the exercise of discrimination and of felicity, one of The Eight Precious Things, also known as the Eight Treasures, or babao in Chinese, are auspicious symbols of good fortune. The jade stone is decorated on both sides in shallow relief, one with elephants effigy facing its right shoulder, standing on its four feet, while the rear foot bend upward. Alternately on reverse, decorated with stylized ruyi clouds surrounded a central medallion enclosed four characters. The Jade plaque is connected by a Fu-bat shaped central cloisonne enamel works link supported and held by elaborately carved hardwood frame stand in floral foliate motif.

Dimension: 15-1/2 H x 12-3/4" W

LOT NOTES:

The chime stone (Qing) was a percussion musical instrument in ancient China. Each chime stone was flat and shaped similar to a chevron. A small hole at the top center allowed the stone to be hung from a frame. The musical instrument consisted of a set of 8 to 24 of these chime stones with each tuned to a different pitch. When struck with a mallet the chime stone produced a musical sound.
Since many chime stones were made of jade, the chime stone also symbolizes wealth and riches.
The stone chime (Qing) has the same pronunciation, and thus the hidden meaning, of to "congratulate" (Qing).
The chime stone is also considered one of the Eight Treasures.
See a charm displaying a chime stone at Auspicious Inscriptions.

Over all in EXCELLENT condition.

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