the rectangular plaque with a lobed border, reticulated with a serpentine dragon writhing with its mouth held agape and head turned towards a 'pearl' at the upper right corner, all entwined with meandering scrolls bearing large floral blooms, the pale grey stone mottled with dark speckles

Minor bruising and surface wear
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare a chilong and flower plaque excavated from the Yuan dynasty site at Tianjiawan, Xi’an, and now in the Xi’an Institute of Archaeology, and illustrated in The Complete Collection of Jades Unearthed in China, Beijing, 2005, vol. 14, pl. 219. See also a complete set of belt plaques carved with a similar motif but attributed to the Ming dynasty, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures in the Palace Museum. Jadeware (II), Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 166; a rectangular plaque, unearthed from the Xilin Pagoda, Songjiang, and illustrated in Jade Wares of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing Unearthed in Shanghai, Shanghai, 2001, pl. 62; and one carved with a dragon and lychee, in the British Museum, London, published in Jessica Rawson, Chinese Jade from the Neolithic to the Qing, London, 1995, pl. 25:21.