Plaque with Openwork Interlaced Dragons and Birds

A pierced jade plaque, its russet and cream stone carved into interlaced dragons and birds with curling scrolls and open spaces between them. Shown against a grey backdrop, the openwork design reads clearly, and incised lines on the lobes suggest feathers and scales.

Look closer: A curled dragon head with a tight scroll sits in the upper left corner of the plaque.

Artist

Unknown

Date

475–221 BCE

Medium

jade (nephrite)

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3400 × 2170 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Anonymous Gift