Chinese Jade Toggle, Based

A small round disc balanced on a thin black rod and square base.

This toggle is from China. It is jade. Toggles originally worn for practical use later became valued gifts and artworks, and the article notes that the netsuke of Japan, a similar counterweight for kimono sashes, originated with Chinese toggles. The flat disc has a central hole and faint carved designs around the face, in a smoky gray-brown with a worn surface. It is mounted on a slender metal stand that casts a long shadow. It is 2 inches long, 2 deep and 7 high.

A modest disc, given a stage with excellent posture.