Chinese Toggle Depicting a Bird

A broad squared-off form in cloudy green with a charcoal smudge at the base.

This toggle depicting a bird is from China, and dates to the 20th century. It is jade. Jade was generally the most preferred and valued material for toggles, a precious stone integral to Chinese culture since the Neolithic Period and often called the stone of heaven. The shape is a wide slab with angled shoulders and a rounded top, with faint lines suggesting wings and a split tail. Pale gray-green fades into dark gray clouds near the bottom. The finish is soft and slightly matte. It is 1.75 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 0.5 high.

Abstract enough to keep its secrets.