Chinese Toggle Depicting Circular Vine

Ring of leaves and curling vine encloses a small round shape like a wreath.

This toggle depicting circular vine is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is jade. The dragon is a popular toggle motif symbolizing wisdom, ambition and prosperity, a five-clawed version represented the emperor, and a dragon with a phoenix suggested marriage and was a wedding gift. Cut in openwork with curved leaves, small blossoms and a circular band at the center, this flat oval is pale grey-white. Fine veins mark each leaf. The outline is irregular and softly rounded, and the polish is smooth. It is 2 inches deep and 1.25 high.

Tidy garden work, and none of it needs watering.