COLLECTION NAME:
National Palace English
Record
Work ID:
M01C00165
Title:
Jade flower receptacle in the shape of a horned fish
Creation Date:
Qing Dynasty
Start Year Date:
A.D.1644
End Year Date:
A.D.1911
Dynasty:
63 Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1644~1911)
Creation Place:
China
Measurements:
Height: 16.7 cm; Width: 11 cm; Length: 3.6 cm
Material:
Jade
Form:
Hua-cha (flower receptacle)
Type:
Jades and Other Precious Stones
Subject:
Dragon
Repository:
The National Palace Museum, Taipei
Description:
This jasper vase renders "the carp leaping over the dragon gate," which is an auspicious symbol. The vessel is in the form of two fish: one fish reaches upward with a small dragon sitting on its back fin, and the other fish leaps at an angle with a recoiling tail. Roaming waves are beneath the fish, and the vessel corresponds to the wood stand, which is decorated with water pattern. The overall structure depicts the critical moment of the fish leaping out of water. The head has transformed into a dragon head, because it has jutting eyes, long whiskers, protruding nose, and two horns.San Qin Ji notes that, "fish gather around the dragon gate, and those who leap across it become dragon…" The dragon gate is a natural barrier, and the water current is rapid. Fish must leap vigorously. People compare this phenomenal transformation from fish to dragon with poor, diligent scholars who pass examinations and consequently become important, high officials.
ImageV ID:
M01C00165AS001
Rights:
Lee & Lee Communications