A finely carved vintage pale jadeite jade plaque, in a 14K gold setting and chain interspersed with seed pearls. The plaque is carved from a solid piece of jade, with a central motif of a Chinese village and large tree, with decorative symbols. Chinese jade lapidary artists often exercised their storytelling abilities through decorative motifs which translate into a rebus, a puzzle in which words are represented by pictures and letters. These symbols are significant for their auspicious meanings. These rebuses add a quality of rarity to the piece. Seed pearls are small natural pearls formed in saltwater oysters and freshwater mussels. They were immensely popular throughout the latter part of the 19th century. Dimensions: Plaque; 3"L x 2"W; Chain 16.5"L Overall Weight 75 g ; Country of Origin: China;

Age related wear on bottom corner of plaque