Chinese Toggle Depicting Kneeling Figure

A small dark seated figure hugging its knees under a tall headdress.

This toggle depicting kneeling figure 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. A rounded figure sits with arms drawn in and legs folded, wearing a tall cap with a small opening at the top. Ears project at either side. The surface is a mottled gray-brown with a worn, aged polish. It is 1 inches long, 1 deep and 2.5 high.

Serious about sitting, and it shows.