Lot 24, A large calcified pale green jade 'dragon' plaque, Warring States Period (475-221 BC); 12.6cm (5in) long. Estimate HK$ 200,000 - 300,000 (€23,000 - 35,000). Sold for HK$ 1,360,000 (€ 161,328). Photo: Bonhams.

The flattened plaque decorated with a pair of stylisedchi dragon, their long bodies with pierced scrolling limbs surrounding an oval panel carved with a pointed end and a large central circular aperture, the stone of a pale green tone with chalky white inclusions. 

Note: With constant warfare as a central part of life during the Zhou dynasty, weaponry made of jade or with jade parts proliferated. Plaques such as these, with a shield-shape formed by a pointed ended oval body, derive from archer's thumb rings. Originally made from leather, these rings prevented the thumb from harm when the bow string is pulled. Archer's rings date as early as the Shang dynasty as manifested by archaeological evidence from Anyang. From the Warring States period however, the ring gradually lost its utilitarian function as a practical object for archery, becoming flat and purely ornamental. 

The present lot is a fine example of the skilful craftsman's ability to carve in openwork to portray a sinuous dragon in silhouette. The large size of the plaque is noteworthy and would have been costly to make and procure. Compare a much smaller calcified beige-yellow pendant of similar form and decoration, Warring States period, from the Zhirouzhai collection, sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 8 October 2008, lot 2374. 

Bonhams. THE SZE YUAN TANG COLLECTION OF CHINESE JADES, 11:00 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY