Chinese Figure of a Bird on a Lotus

A bird at rest on a lotus, in stone the color of tea.

Chinese carvers made this bird on a lotus in jade in the 20th century. Birds and lotus are traditional motifs in Chinese art, often read as symbols of purity and good fortune. The bird lies with its head tucked back and a long neck curving over the wing, and the feathers are incised in fine lines. The stone moves from pale celadon to smoky brown, polished smooth.

About 1 by 2 inches. A pebble with a story.