Lot: 494

Old and very heavy hard stone carving of a dragon turtle

Old and very heavy hard stone carving of a dragon turtle  This well carved dragon turtle has “one hundred shou” pattern all-over its back, a motif expressing the wish for longevity.  This motif was very popular during Kangxi (1662 – 1722 AD).  Dragon turtle is an ancient mythological and auspicious creature of Daoism since Han Dynasty (206 BC).

Size: 9 in. ( 23 cm) W x 3.25 in. (8 cm) D x 5.25 in. (13 cm) H

Weight: 3148 g.  

Provenance: From Dr. Robert I-San Lin Collection, whose grandfather was a major antique dealer during late Qing-early Republic; brought to California in 1960s.  Dr. Lin’s biography published in Journal of Artworks Authentication, ISSN 2095 - 9109.  2015, vol. 6.