19th Century Chinese Celadon Jade Dragon Pendant Objet D'Art.

Description

Title: Jade Dragon Pendant Objet d'Art.
Period: Qing Dynasty, 19th Century.
Material: Jade.
Color: Celadon.
Origin: China.

Well worked from … more Title: Jade Dragon Pendant Objet d'Art.
Period: Qing Dynasty, 19th Century.
Material: Jade.
Color: Celadon.
Origin: China.

Well worked from a semi-translucent celadon stone, the thick trapezoid-shaped pendant objet d'art is skillfully rendered to depict a sinuous dragon with its recumbent body detailed with a bat and toad.

Measures: 2 W x 1.75 D x 1 H inches.

Implied meaning of the Chinese symbols:
-Dragons were believed to live in the mountains or in the seas and can fly into the heavens.
Unlike the dragons of Europe, the Chinese dragon symbolizes benevolence, prosperity, longevity and the renewal of life.
Ancient Chinese believed the dragon brought rain, good harvests and fertility.
The dragon is yang and associated with the east and spring.
For a more detailed discussion of the dragon symbol please see yinyang and the five elements as the basis for star, moon, cloud and dragon symbols.
-A picture of a bat can be a visual pun for "good fortune" or happiness.
-The frog or toad is a symbol of fertility.

PROVENANCE:
Lewis Mahlmann (September 6, 1927 – March 18, 2014) was the master puppeteer at Children's Fairyland in Oakland, California for 43 years. He retired in 2006. Mahlmann made his own puppets and their costumes by hand, and taught puppetry at San Francisco State University. As a collector, he surrounded himself with art which was reflected in his work. His surroundings, like this piece among other resources, influenced his craft; for instance, the scenery or puppets for a production of 'Puff the Magic Dragon,' presented by The Puppet Company. less