Jade Vase in the Shape
of a Horned Fish 
Ming Dynasty
(A.D. 1368-1644)
Height:         15.6 cm
Width:           9.55cm
Breadth:        4.26cm
     In this piece the 
lapidary has ingeniously 
utilized the dark brown 
part of the jade to accent 
the horns, whiskers, spiny 
fins, and tail of this carp-
like creature. A playful 
little hornless dragon 
seems to be hugging or 
perhaps tickling its belly 
while the massive fish 
rears up on its tail, nostrils 
flaring and eyes bulging 
in anger and indignation.