The rectangular reticulated plaque carved with two opposing phoenix in flight, one with streaming tail feathers, the other with scrolled tail feathers, all against delicate scrollwork, now set in an Arts and Crafts foliate mount, possibly American, set with jadeite beads.
Note:
The quality of the carving and the jade, as well as the phoenix motifs strongly suggest the present plaque may have belonged to a member of the Imperial court. The phoenix traditionally has been associated with the Empress and princely consorts, as the five-clawed dragon was associated with the Emperor and higher-rank princes.