White jade figure "Turtle-dragon", Qing dynasty, 19th century

Hetian white jade carved in the shape of a turtle-dragon "龍龜" (Lóng guī). It is a type of mythical beast that combines two of the four celestial animals in mythology. The head, legs and tail of a dragon and the turtle shell. The legs are extended under the body and the head slightly turned to one side. The details are depicted in detail and in very good condition.

This combination is used as a popular custom in China to attract wealth and support a house, represent honor and status, and as a symbol of ability, longevity and authority. It also means "to return with honor," as well as to achieve success. According to legend, it was the son of a divine dragon that carries on its back the "Map of the River" and the "luoshu", which revealed the numbers of heaven and earth.

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

Size: 6.6 x 5.8 x 9.7 cm; Weight: 368 g