Qing Dynasty White Jade Guanyin & Phoenix Plaque – Double-Sided, 83g Nephrite

An extraordinary double-sided white nephrite jade plaque, expertly hand-carved in openwork relief depicting Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) seated among celestial phoenixes and flowing clouds.

The front presents Guanyin in serene meditation, her robes cascading in elegant folds, exuding grace and divine calm. The reverse continues the theme with a mirrored phoenix-and-cloud composition, symbolizing purity, rebirth, and harmony between heaven and earth.

Carved from lustrous white nephrite jade, this piece weighs a substantial 83 grams, showing translucency, soft polish, and natural mineral inclusions consistent with Qing Dynasty craftsmanship (18th-19th century). The jade's fine grain and old surface glow are hallmarks of authentic period workmanship.

Such plaques were often worn or displayed as protective talismans, representing mercy, good fortune, and enlightenment—treasured by scholars and devotees alike.

📜 Symbolism

Guanyin (觀音) — Compassion and divine protection

Phoenix (鳳凰) — Rebirth and celestial virtue

Clouds (雲) — Connection between heaven and the mortal world

📏 Details

Material: White nephrite jade

Era: Qing Dynasty, circa 18th-19th century

Design: Double-sided openwork carving

Weight: 83 grams

Dimensions: Approx. 9.2 × 6 × 0.8 cm (3.6 × 2.3 × 0.3 in)

Condition: Excellent antique condition; light age wear and natural jade inclusions

Provenance: Private East Asian estate collection