"Fish and lotus" agate plaque, Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Plaque carved from a single piece of agate. It depicts a fish swimming next to a lotus among waves and jumping while spitting out a cascade of water. The transparency and quality of the carving are exceptional, and it is in very good condition. 

Heilongjiang agate is found in the northwest of the province. This carbon dioxide mineral is of gem grade and is a variant of chalcedony. Agate from this region has beautiful and warm colours, rich colours and a hard texture, very useful for carved crafts. This product figured as a tribute in the Qing dynasty. 

The Chinese expression "年年有餘" (More than enough every year) is auspicious and is related to fish and lotus because "there is a fish in the lotus connection". It represents a prosperous life and growth in resources. There are also other meanings related to fish, such as those who persevere and, year after year, face the dragon's gate to become one.

Above is a string with an agate bead from the Zhou dynasty.

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 5 x 3.8 cm; Weight: 37 g