DescriptionA finely carved Chinese soapstone toggle, depicting a dynamic dragon amid swirling clouds, rendered in high relief with pierced openwork and detailed on both sides. The dragon, a timeless symbol of imperial authority, strength, and transformation, is shown with a powerful expression, flowing whiskers, and a scaled, sinuous body. The jade is a warm yellow soapstone, softly polished to a smooth finish, with light translucency and natural mineral inclusions typical of 19th-century material. Pieces like this were often worn as pendants, amulets, or belt ornaments by individuals of high status during the Qing Dynasty, both for their protective symbolism and as expressions of wealth and refinement.Provenance: Mike Thaler Collection https://mikethaler.com/Age: 19th centuryDimensions: 2 7/8″ high x 2 1/4″ wide
