Chinese Toggle Depicting Lohan or Enlightened One

Long-robed gentleman with a flowing beard stands very straight and holds something close.

This toggle depicting lohan or enlightened one 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. Tall and slim, the standing figure wears a long robe and small close cap, with an incised flowing beard and both hands gathered at the chest. The color is pale cream with rusty streaks near the hem. The base is a plain block. It is 0.5 inches wide, 1 deep and 2.75 high.

Dignified from head to hem, and clearly not in a hurry.