Chinese Toggle Depicting Archaic Blade

Slim blade-shaped piece twists into carved scrolls at the handle and calms down by the tip.

This toggle depicting archaic blade is from China, and dates to the 19th 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. Muted grey-green and tapering, the long form ends in a point. The hilt end is cut into openwork scrolls and angular hooks, and incised bands run along the body. The surface is smoothly polished with small brown flecks. It is 0.25 inches wide, 4 deep and 1 high.

Sharp-looking, but entirely peaceful in practice.