Jade segmented plate, Mughal Empire-China Archive

Image Number: K1C002748N000000000PAD
Dynasty: Ming dynasty
Category: Jades
Function: Container
Material: Minerals/Jade Jewelry/Jade
Description:
Dark gray jade is carved into a heavy four petal flower shaped dividing plate. A flat four petal flower is embossed on the bottom of the plate, and the crisscross acanthus leaves are embossed on the top, with the tip rolled up to form an implement foot. The surface is painted with gold, red, green and other colors, and colorful flower and leaf patterns may have been coated with transparent glue on and around the flower and leaf patterns, which may change color over time. It is speculated from the style of flower and leaf patterns that they may have been painted when they were introduced to Xinjiang.