Circular plaque, nephrite jade, carved. China, 16th century. Diameter: 11 cm. 1643-1882. Wells bequest. © V&A Images.

Circular plaque, with holes on the back for attachment to something else. White jade carved in openwork with dragons and flowers.

This circular jade plaque carved in openwork has pairs of small holes on the back. This suggests that it was intended to be attached to a gold or silver frame to form a toggle. In the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) noblewomen wore long shawls used a toggle to keep the shawl in place. Large toggles, though inconvenient to wear, were placed in coffins of deceased ladies to indicate their status and wealth.

Bibliographic References: Ming Wilson, Chinese Jades, No. 27