Chinese Toggle Depicting Two Bats

Symmetrical pair of winged creatures spreads across a rectangular plaque with two holes.

This toggle depicting two bats is from China, and dates to the late 19th or early 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. Creamy white and rectangular, the plate has a mirror-image design of broad wings, antennae and small curled feet. Rust-colored veining runs across the front and fine lines trace the feathers. Two small holes sit side by side at the middle. It is 2 inches wide, 0.25 deep and 1.5 high.

Good symmetry, with a button-like charm and a lot of wings.