Devine Chinese Jade vase adorned with lion facade handles. Geometric cavity drifts upward into a vast neck eventually meeting the octagonal lid and squarish finial. Mirrored lion head handles are appended on either side of the neck. A scrolling tendril of the lions breath forms the handle grips. The lion is a guardian of temples and other holy fortresses, and the protector of Buddha Wen Shu, who is the left side servant of Shakyamuni. The lion is one of the four Animals of Supremacy and is seen on the emblem of 2nd Grade Military Officials. Intricately incised design traverses all eight faces seamlessly, to create a precise beauty. Nephrite has mottled appearance with light inclusions along with a beautiful transparent chalk-white tone. Note: Jade, as a stone, has five virtues. Its glossiness and warmth is like benevolence. Because inside and outside is the same, so that knowing the outside one knows the inside, this may be likened to righteousness. Its far-reaching sound (when struck) may be heard from afar, like wisdom. It is not easily bent, but can be broken, which may be likened to courage. Jade can be sharpened, but not to the point where it can injure people; this quality is like self-regulation or restraint.