Fine and Important Jadeite Plaque and Diamond Pendant
Lot 1724, Fine and Important Jadeite Plaque and Diamond Pendant. Estimate 28,000,000 — 32,000,000 HKD (3,236,917 - 3,699,334 EUR). Photo: Sotheby's
The highly translucent jadeite plaque of emerald green colour, carved with six Chinese characters of the six-word mantra (唵摩呢叭咪吽), to a black cord with diamond-set surmount, mounted in 18 karat white gold. Jadeite plaque approximately 68.41 x 36.40 x 8.55mm.
Accompanied by Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory certificate numbered KJ 92071, dated 6 January 2016, stating that the jadeite is natural, known in the trade as "A Jade".
Note: This exceptional jadeite plaque is carved with an important sankrit mantra om mani padme hum on both sides. This six-syllabled mantra was introduced to China as early as the Song dynasty, when a Tibetan monk, Tien His Tsai, translated the Karandavyuha Sutra into Chinese. The mantra was introduced to Mongolia by the Tibetans, and subsequently to Europe by the Mongol Empire. It has been translated into countless languages and became the most well-known mantra in the world.
The mantra can be divided into four parts, ‘om’ is a sacred symbol often found in Indian religion, ‘mani’ stands for jewel, ‘padme’ stands for lotus flower, and ‘hum’, a sound of enlightenment. Yet, it is believed that mantra should not be interpreted literally, but that each syllable consists of deeper meanings and teachings. If a practitioner recites, writes and beholds this mantra in a consistent and persistent manner, it will lead to liberation and eventually Buddhahood.
Sotheby's. Magnificent Jewels & Jadeite, Hong Kong, 05 Apr 2016, 02:00 PM