Vintage Jadeite Jade Dragon Belt Hook

Late Qing and Early Republican Chinese jadeite jade belt buckle carved with a dragon head terminal.

The jade top side is emerald green, gently mottled, with celadon green on the underside carved with a flat button.

Of 18th and 19th century ‘chilong’ belt hooks, this is considered a modish (less ‘ancient’) version.

The ‘chilong’ is a hornless dragon, a common motif in ancient Chinese art, and is the traditional Chinese architecture adornment of the Western gargoyle.

In this piece the dragon head is given emphasis, with sharpened details to eyes and teeth, the rest of the stem a softened floated ‘bat’.

This is an instance where material takes precedence. It is unlikely the precious green jadeite can be carved away to create details, given its vivid green spectrum.

For collectors of chilong belt hooks, this one is all about color and luminosity.

Note this is not an easy occurrence, since belt hooks in this genre are mostly about carving and less on material, ie. the Art vs Material tandem in Chinese jade works of art.

It has become an informal challenge for us to source one in this green corridor, since material is the thing that is lacking over craftsmanship.

The carving measures 5cm by 1.2cm.

As far as belt hooks go, this one is particularly petite and will enchant as a pendant.