Chinese Toggle Depicting a Fish

Slim dark fish glides along in a coat of black and white speckles.

This toggle depicting a fish is from China, and dates to the 19th century. 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. Streamlined and narrow, this fish form has a notched tail and a tapered snout. The surface is mottled charcoal with pale flecks, polished smooth and free of any added detail. The outline is clean and the thickness stays even throughout. It is 4.5 inches deep and 1 high.

Plain, sleek and rather proud of its minimalism.