Carved Stone Shu Symbol
Name/Title
Carved Stone Shu SymbolEntry/Object ID
CE2901Description
This piece is a carved Chinese jade disc (or bi disk) with openwork dragon motifs and a central shou (longevity) symbol, mounted on an ornate carved stone or hardstone stand. This openwork features imperial dragons and a central longevity character. The material appears to be a light green to russet-stained jade or serpentine stone with intricate pierced relief work, paired with a multi-lobed mottled green stone base. This style of decorative table screen or medallion draws inspiration from late Qing Dynasty to mid-20th-century traditional Chinese hardstone carvings, depicting abstract clouds, a central shou (longevity) character, and flanking dragons or bats symbolizing good fortune. The central band features a low-relief Taotie mask pattern. The Taotie is a classical, symmetrical zoomorphic motif featuring stylized bulbous eyes, horns, and facial scrollwork. It draws directly from archaic ritual bronze vessels of the ancient Shang and Zhou dynasties. The base shows dramatic multi-colored mottling in shades of pale celadon green, iron-red russet, and dark charcoal grey inclusions. The fine, web-like stress fractures (crazing) across the upper collar are characteristic of weathered hardstones or jadeite/nephrite. It is common for pieces from the late Qing to early Republic period to intentionally feature or artificially enhance these color variations to echo the aesthetics of ancient unearthed artifacts. Two stylized loop handles flank the central rectangular section. These mirror the traditional forms of archaic Chinese ritual tripods.Artwork Details
Medium
Jade or Serpentine StoneSubject
LongevityCategory
Chinese carved stone