Chinese Figural Plaque Depicting Scholar Holding a Proclamation in Front of Two Dragons, Clouds and Wall

Two dragons overhead, and the scholar is still holding his proclamation.

This figural plaque depicting a scholar holding a proclamation before two dragons, clouds and a wall comes from China, 19th century, in jade on a rosewood base. Table screens and plaques of carved jade were desk and display objects in China, where the stone was prized and dragons and scholars carried ideas of learning, rank and success. The green stone is mottled and glossy. Dragons coil at upper right and lower left through banks of scrolling cloud, with brickwork cut along the top. The figure stands in high relief on a pierced base. Just over 13 inches high and 9 wide.

Bureaucracy has seldom kept such good company.