A window in Amsterdam
Jadeite carving - China
This jadeite carving of 6,5 cm length depicts on one side 4 and the other side 5 dragons. They are swirling around between ruyi-headed clouds in search of the flaming pearl. The 4 dragon side shows an additional flying bat on top.
In former China both the dragon and the number nine were strongly associated with the emperor, the dragon being its symbol and the number nine as the highest single-digit number and resembling the word "longlasting". The highest ranking court officials wore robes depicting nine dragons.
The colour scheme of the stone is referred to as "spinach and egg" or "sancai" in Chinese, being (shades of) green, yellow and white.
The carving dates from approx. the 1930ies and is of superb quality. Not only the detail but also the organic and dynamic flow is a feast for the eye.
Jadeite carving - China
This jadeite carving of 6,5 cm length depicts on one side 4 and the other side 5 dragons. They are swirling around between ruyi-headed clouds in search of the flaming pearl. The 4 dragon side shows an additional flying bat on top.
In former China both the dragon and the number nine were strongly associated with the emperor, the dragon being its symbol and the number nine as the highest single-digit number and resembling the word "longlasting". The highest ranking court officials wore robes depicting nine dragons.
The colour scheme of the stone is referred to as "spinach and egg" or "sancai" in Chinese, being (shades of) green, yellow and white.
The carving dates from approx. the 1930ies and is of superb quality. Not only the detail but also the organic and dynamic flow is a feast for the eye.