Carved from fine, translucent white jade, this piece is in a plate-like chime shape. On the front, the tidi (picking) carving technique was employed to create two mating catfish side by side in high relief; the two fish both have the auspicious glossy ganoderma in their mouths and form a vivid image. On the back, the yadiyinqi (pressing) technique was employed to create a bas-relief of an upside down bat and an openwork carving plate underneath it. The carving is elegant and meticulous, full of palace grandeur. In addition, the chime, bat and twin catfish compose the auspicious imagery of fuqingyouyu, or ‘abundant auspiciousness’. It is a deep piece and a magnificent example of Chinese carving techniques.

L: 8 cm