Chinese Toggle Depicting Taotie Mask

Broad horned face glowers from a chalky white shield with a hint of red behind.

This toggle depicting taotie mask is from China, and dates to the 19th century. It is jade. The dragon is a popular toggle motif symbolizing wisdom, ambition and prosperity, a five-clawed version represented the emperor, and a dragon with a phoenix suggested marriage and was a wedding gift. Chalky white and rounded, the wide plaque shows a heavy brow, curled horn tips and a long ridged nose. Fine dark lines mark the forehead and eyes. Red traces show at the top and bottom edges. The relief is shallow and softly worn. It is 5 inches wide, 2 deep and 1.5 high.

Fierce expression, polite proportions, and a cheerful chalky finish.