No reserve price auction! Large pale white nephrite jade Archaic “open work” dragon pendant – China – Late Qing period On offer is a Pendant of Zhaijie, 斋戒牌 A "fasting plaque" is a small, plaque-like object worn on the chest by participants in sacrificial rituals. Crafted from materials such as jade, emerald, amber, gold, fabric, enamel, or wood, it bears the characters for "Fasting" (Zhaijie) on both sides. Wooden fasting plaques were introduced as early as the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty; in the tenth year of the Yongzheng reign (1732), a specific design for these plaques was established—modeled after Ming-era ritual plaques—requiring them to be worn on the chest during ceremonies to serve as a constant reminder to oneself and others to maintain a reverent and solemn attitude throughout the period of fasting. superb quality large pale white archaic style nephrite jade pendant with nice details. This grey-white nephrite jade pendant has an “open work” Archaic depiction of stylized dragons or chilong. Please see all pictures for a good impression for this jade! Top piece! Has been identified as nephrite jade by measuring thermal conductivity and hardness and translucency. Provenance: Almost all of our jade is obtained in mainland China. An excellent and rare antique piece, very suitable as an addition to your collection or to present as a gift. Please see test results and pictures. Used test equipment: • Sencys hardmetal scratch pen • Presidium gem tester II • Kern PFB 200-3 laboratory scale • Ugsby XP-1 bright light torch • Mitutoyo absolute-Aos digital caliper • Inova X5 UV-torch *Material/color: Pale light grey-white nephrite jade. *Origin/provenance: China, mainland. *Weight: 36,8 gram or 184 Carat. *Hardness: No scratching possible, with hardened steel pen. *UV/ bright light check: No indication of treatment. *Dating: End of Qing period 1850-1900. *Size (ca.): 62,6 mm * 41,6 mm * 6,4 mm. *Condition: Fine condition, no damage. Smooth surface, nice patina. Will be packed very well and shipped with registered track/trace with insurance. Combined shipping possible, we return postage costs.