Taking advantage of natural deep color on one side, the raw material was carved into a magpie chirping merrily on a tree branch with three longans. Since the first syllable of magpie (xi-que) means joy, magpies in Chinese culture symbolize good fortune and happiness. The second syllable of longan (gui-yuan) is homophonic of the word “first.” Three longans have thus become a symbol of achieving three first places in the county, provincial, and national level of the imperial exams. The bottom part of the front side is covered with natural pours – a common characteristic of high quality nephrite found in rivers.
Suzhou-style Jade Carving
Suzhou is one of the places of origin of Chinese jade carving. By the Tang dynasty (618-907), workshops of jade carving were established. By the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Suzhou artisans became famous throughout the country. Suzhou-style jade carvings are mainly small pieces, most of which are vases, figures, flowers and animals. Traditional decorative workmanship was applied to the carvings, and the curios are exquisite and graceful.
Jade pendant with magpie and three longans
$1,680
38 x 21 x 12 mm, 15.6 grams
Taking advantage of natural deep color on one side, the raw material was carved into a magpie chirping merrily on a tree branch with three longans. Since the first syllable of magpie (xi-que) means joy, magpies in Chinese culture symbolize good fortune and happiness. The second syllable of longan (gui-yuan) is homophonic of the word “first.” Three longans have thus become a symbol of achieving three first places in the county, provincial, and national level of the imperial exams. The bottom part of the front side is covered with natural pours – a common characteristic of high quality nephrite found in rivers.
Suzhou-style Jade Carving
Suzhou is one of the places of origin of Chinese jade carving. By the Tang dynasty (618-907), workshops of jade carving were established. By the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Suzhou artisans became famous throughout the country. Suzhou-style jade carvings are mainly small pieces, most of which are vases, figures, flowers and animals. Traditional decorative workmanship was applied to the carvings, and the curios are exquisite and graceful.
Only 1 available.