White jade pendant 'Squirrel and butterfly', Qing dynasty, Qianlong

A piece of white Hetian jade with gilded skin, oval with reliefs on the front face. At the lower left is a squirrel in a retracted pose, amidst clouds, and at the top of the piece is a butterfly. It has a hole at the top to insert a cord. In very good condition.

The squirrel symbolizes wealth and longevity, as does pine, with good health and abundant resources. Also, it is related to good reproductive capacity. 

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

Size: 7.5 x 2.2 x 5.1 cm; Weight: 139 g