the rectangular plaque reticulated with two deer in a setting densely detailed with lush vegetation, the stone with variegated grey and white patches

As the Mongols were northern nomadic peoples, themes of decoration such as tigers, deer and hunting scenes were preferred. Compare a related jade plaque, dated to the Liao / Jin dynasty, skilfully carved in openwork from a white and russet stone with two deer amidst densely grown oak leaves, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Jadeware (III), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 50.