Chinese Jade Toggle Bead

A squarish bead flecked in green and charcoal like granite after rain.

This toggle bead 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 blocky form has rounded corners, a wide hole through the top and an uneven, cloudy surface. Pale green speckles mix with dark gray and white patches, giving it a marbled appearance. It is 0.75 inches in diameter.

A small block with a lot of weather in it.