Chinese Toggle Depicting Mouse

Plump green mouse sits low with ears pricked and a tail neatly tucked.

This toggle depicting mouse 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. Celadon green and smooth, the small animal has a rounded body, large ears and a pointed nose. The tail curls around the side and the feet are tucked beneath. The polish is soft and even, with very little incised detail. It is 1 inches wide, 2.75 deep and 1.75 high.

Round, calm and ready for crumbs.