B36

Chalcedony, pale-brown with darker brown contrasting inclusions, minimally carved to depict a heavy and humorous cockerel approaching what appears to be a cockscomb.

Chinese, 1750 - 1860
Stopper: jadeite on a green stained ivory collar
Provenance: Estelle Chapman, 1973
Height: 5.7cm

The artist has managed to portray a cockerel in a cartoon like manner attracting the attention of the viewer. It was the natural markings which suggested this treatment to the carver and has turned an animal which is part of the every day life of the Chinese into an amusing and warm subject. The cockerel is the tenth creature of the Chinese Zodiac, and is admired as a courageous and beneficent bird. He wards off evil, and symbolises reliability, as he never fails to mark the passing of the hours. A cock crowing represents achievement and fame. A cockerel depicted on an object would make a suitable gift for anyone wishing to enter the civil service, as the word for cockscomb guan is phonetically identical with guan (official) and therefore expresses the wish that the recipient may be rewarded with an official post.

Zodiac sign / Cockerel