Chinese Toggle Depicting Old Man with Fish

Tall fellow in flowing robes carries a fish and a long curling stem.

This toggle depicting old man with fish is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is jade. Toggles originally worn for practical use later became valued gifts and artworks, and the article notes that the netsuke of Japan, a similar counterweight for kimono sashes, originated with Chinese toggles. Bearded and narrow, the upright figure has long draped sleeves and a ribbon curling past his shoulder. A small fish rests near his feet beside a carved basket. The color is cream with lilac-grey patches around the base and a pointed top. It is 1.75 inches wide, 0.75 deep and 3.5 high.

Properly dressed for catching dinner and being admired.