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Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
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Figure, jade
Figure of a duck, carved in a detailed, realistic manner from pale green jade with areas of white mottling; the duck sits as if swimming, with its legs tucked beneath its body, it holds a lotus in its beak, which trails up and around the duck, surmounted by three lotus flowers on the duck's back.
In China, jade has been prized for its beautiful variations in colour and translucency for thousands of years. Historically, it was considered to symbolize power, spirituality and virtue. Decorative jades often incorporated auspicious motifs designed to bring their owner good fortune.