White jade pendant ‘Immortal’, Qing dynasty

Made of white Hetian jade, carved in one piece. It shows an immortal riding a white crane with engraved and beautifully rendered details. In very good condition and with a cord decorated with an agate bead. In many cases it symbolises longevity, peace, elegance and more meanings of good fortune. On the other hand, there is a saying in Buddhism that driving a crane to the west means ‘Paradise is a place where people can go after death’. Therefore, it was a belief in ancient times that the crane could mean death in this aspect. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 5 x 2 x 5.1 cm

Weight: 55 g

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.