Lot 58
East Asia, China, Shang Dynasty, ca. 1558 to 1046 BCE. A fabulous nephrite jade pendant in the form of a fish dragon presenting a horned head and an open snout bearing a petite object. The mythical creature displays annular eyes, bent forepaws, dorsal and pelvic fins, and an elongated body terminating in an upward-turned tail. A trio of piercings in the object held in its mouth once allowed it to be suspended and worn on a chain or necklace, but are now filled with encrustations. The fantastical fish dragon is a reference to the Chinese myth of Longmen or the "Dragon Gate." Located at the top of a waterfall on a legendary mountain, the myth states that while many carp swim upstream against the river's strong current, few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall. If a carp successfully makes the jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon. Size: 4.5" L x 0.6" W x 1.4" H (11.4 cm x 1.5 cm x 3.6 cm)
Historically, this metaphor symbolized the elevation in status attained by a Chinese scholar after overcoming the rigorous levels of the Chinese civil exams. Chinese scholars likened themselves to the carp in this metaphor. Many of them originated from humble backgrounds and shaped their destinies by surmounting numerous difficulties and challenges, akin to the act of leaping over the Dragon Gate atop the waterfall. Broadly interpreted, successfully leaping over the Dragon Gate signifies the journey to alter one's destiny and evolve into a superior version of oneself, regardless of the form it takes.
Provenance: private Brighton, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired in China in 1989
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#189974
- Condition: Some softening of finer details, but otherwise, intact and excellent. Encrustations to suspension hole inhibit wearability.
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