Chinese Jade Figure of a Dragon

Curled beast with orange-yellow skin and a face full of swirls.

This jade figure of a dragon is from China, and dates to the 20th century. In Chinese tradition the dragon is generally a benevolent creature tied to water, weather and authority, and it has been carved in jade in many forms over a very long span. Crouching animal with scrolling lines along the body, a flame-like crest on the head and a small drilled hole at the side. The surface is cream to bright orange, with fine dark outlines tracing the carving. It is 2.5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 1.5 high.

Warm, curly and entirely disinclined to stand up.