Chinese Toggle Depicting a Bat

A bat with outspread wings, one tip sweeping around like a scythe.

This toggle depicting a bat is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is jade. Jade was generally the most preferred and valued material for toggles, a precious stone integral to Chinese culture since the Neolithic Period and often called the stone of heaven. The creature is shown from above with a pointed face, curled tail and wings opened wide, with small cutouts inside them. Color shifts from creamy pale green to brown, with dark specks along the upper edges. It is 3.75 inches wide, 2.75 deep and 0.5 high.

Mid-flight, mid-flourish, and fully committed to the pose.