The model is a Bixi sculpture from Chinese mythology (here: Qing Dynasty), which is the name given to hybrid creatures with the body of a turtle and the head of a dragon (Bixi is one of the nine sons of the Dragon King). A visually comparable object was originally a gift to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who visited China in 1893. It served the function of a signet to impress a seal. Around 1900, such pieces were then produced in smaller forms (as here as a salt shaker, which can be filled from below) as luxury items for the European market, silver, height 10 cm. In East Asian countries such as China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan there are some large sculptures, including steles carried by turtles, but of course also small examples for private use (search: Bixi). Rubbing it is said to bring good luck. The origins lie as early as the 3rd century AD. [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: Commodities   |   Material: Metall   |   Country of origin: Guangdong Province, China | Similar pieces