A 19th century figural carving of a goose holding a lingzhi (reishi) mushroom in its beak. It was most likely used as a belt toggle (zhuizi). Belt toggles were popular ornamental accessories that were used as counterweights to small bags such as pipe bags and money pouches that will have sat on the sash and / or other areas (I'd imagine that you'd prefer to hide your money pouch). We know the cut-off point for their use in the 1940s at which point Western clothing became more common.
A good way to identify a good belt toggle is to spot where the cord will have been inserted. In this case. there are several areas that this can be done between the neck of the goose and stylised acanthus leaf. It is quite a small piece carved from a lovely, pale celadon nephrite jade and is very delicately modelled. The base has also been styled with webbed feet and the undersides of the wings.
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.
A good way to identify a good belt toggle is to spot where the cord will have been inserted. In this case. there are several areas that this can be done between the neck of the goose and stylised acanthus leaf. It is quite a small piece carved from a lovely, pale celadon nephrite jade and is very delicately modelled. The base has also been styled with webbed feet and the undersides of the wings.
At Antiquus, we have been trading professionally in antiques for several generations. We stand by all our descriptions and antiques appraisals and valuations. Our specialists have studied extensively with post-graduate degrees in the arts.
If you are in doubt about anything please do feel free to ask and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please feel free to contact us for more details about this piece, including additional images (we will be working on video clips in future). Reasonable offers are always carefully considered.
Exchanges and returns
We accept returns and exchanges if the item is found to be at fault or does not meet the description provided. You must advise us within 30-days of receipt. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Return postage and packing are at your cost.