Zhai jie is the ceremonial requirement for abstinence before worshipping ones ancestors, the Heavens or other deities, which usually lasted for three days. During this time, one should refrain from eating meat and fragrant herbs such as onions, chives, garlic and the like, consuming alcohol, and from any intimate acts.

It is rare to find an abstinence plaque carved from yellow jade. However, plaques in other media are known. See S. Kwan, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, p. 424-5, no. 139, for an abstinence plaque in bamboo veneer. A famille rose-decorated porcelain example dated 18th/19th century was sold in our New York rooms, 19 September 2007, lot 432