Chinese Toggle Depicting Foo Lion

Standing lion-like beast hugs itself and grins through curls of mane.

This toggle depicting foo lion is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is jade. Traditional Chinese clothing had no pockets, so people of all social classes, from rickshaw drivers to court scholars, used toggles as counterweights to help secure small bags hanging from their sashes. Sea-green in color, the small upright figure stands with its paws clasped at the chest. The head has rolled curls, a blunt snout and a small drilled eye. Fine incised lines mark the body and tail, and the polish is smooth and even. It is 0.75 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 3.5 high.

It looks pleased, and has probably earned the right.