Cinnabar Dragon and Phoenix Egg

This archaic jade pendant features a symmetrical pattern with two chilong whose serpentine bodies form a heart. On the top are two chilong heads, smiling and looking in opposite directions. The bodies of the chilong are detailed with intricate scales and cross-cross patterns. During the Qing Dynasty, specifically the Qianlong period, Emperor QianLong’s passion for jade and antiques led artists to create archaic jade art that revived the artistic heights achieved during the Han Dynasty. Among the accessories favored by nobility during the Han period were jade plaques. These flat, thin jade pieces often featured intricate carvings, including dragon and phoenix motifs. The term “鸡心佩” (jī xīn pèi) refers to a specific type of jade plaque with a shape resembling a chicken heart (hence the name). These plaques were considered auspicious and symbolized harmony and protection. An example of a Han jade...

Seated upright, the jade eagle is decorated with symmetrical curls on the wings and back. On the breast of the bird there are fine curved incisions. The eagle, with its strong brows and beak, is looking ahead confidently. This archaic piece represents Eastern Zhou Dynasty style eagles. The jade monkey is in a seated position with one hand held up to his ear and the other crossed in front of his body. The monkey is carved with wrinkles on his brow and a long, curling tail reaching upward on his back. During the Qianlong period, eagle carvings, usually paired with a bear, appeared on archaic jade carvings. Together the eagle and the bear mean “hero”. “Monkeys are symbols of longevity because they are believed to have the ability to live for a long time, Their name, hou, is a pun for marquess, so they are also symbols of high rank. Monkeys bring to mind the exploits of the monkey Sun Wukong...

Buccellati Silver Dragon Designed as a fire-breathing dragon, towering over a gilded, pillared building, perched on a hardstone and set upon a scrolled base. Engraved: "Boy I'll b...

This is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind rough Colombian emerald sculpture. Featuring a rare and exotic, hand-carved Komodo Dragon made of black and gray s...