Black and white jade group ‘Boy with dragon on conch shell’, Qing dynasty

A sculpture carved in two-coloured jade depicting a scene of a child and a dragon intertwined on a large seashell. The piece is notable for its intentional use of the natural colour of the stone: white jade has been used to carve the boy and the dragon in high relief, while black jade forms the base in the shape of a spiral shell, creating a visual contrast. The boy, with a joyful expression and dynamic posture, holds a ring and a vessel in his hands, while the dragon coils sinuously around him, with carefully delineated scales and claws. The shell has a polished carving with undulating lines that reinforce its natural form. The whole rests on a custom-made base of dark wood. Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Size: 10 x 2 x 6.5 cm

Jade weight: 270 g