Measurements: 77.01mm H x 139.28mm W Weight1,235.3g Stand: 1-5/8" H Chinese celadon jade carved unto a model of Fu lions. Larger lion seated in relaxing position on its four legs, with the body slightly bend to left shoulder, the head facing straight forward. Its tail gently curved upward on the left hip, next to the smaller lion seated in relaxing position on beside rear left leg with the head look toward to right. Although the lion has never dwelt in China, it is a common art motif with lion statues guarding the entrances to temples. The character contains the homophone shi which means ‘master’ combined with the ‘animal’ radical. Although some lions were given to the emperor as tribute from vassal kingdoms most knowledge of the beast came indirectly so representations are often more like pet dogs than fierce cats. Indeed the Pekingese dog was selectively bred to look like a Chinese lion. The lion is usually depicted resting on the ground with forefeet pointing outward and is mostly associated with Buddhism. At entrances to temples the lion on the right is male and holds a ball in its paw while the left lion is female and holds a cub. A pair of lions symbolize happiness and wish for a prosperous career. The number of curls of hair on the lion's mane used to be a measure of seniority, a high official would have up to 13 coils of hair on lion statues outside his home. A lion was also the emblem of some grades of official. Two lions and a ruyi symbolizes a wish for everything to go as desired (shi shi ru yi). Lion dances often have the lions chasing a ball (qiu) and two lions chasing a ball is a common motif similar to two dragons chasing a ball. The lion dance was traditionally associated with the Lantern festival but is now seen on other Chinese festivals. If the dancing lion can be enticed into a home it will bring good luck. The Nephrite Jade has a lustrous tone, with pale-celadon iridescent and attractive sporadic golden russet inclusions, exquisite and detail, the jade stone have clean tone, with pale-celadon iridescent and moist milky appearance. Elegancy come with tall hardwood stand carved hardwood stand frame perfectly accentuates this work of art.