Elegantly carved jade stand lidded vase, with a conical lid. A baluster form, with a large midsection, flanked two archaic qilin mask ears handles stick out with ring on the neck. The neck of the vase is vaulted upward from the voluptuous bottom half to form a circular opening. Protruding from the neck is two Fu-lion head handles with their tongue forming the grip. Free hanging jade rings are entrapped by the Fu-lion tongue. The lion is usually depicted resting on the ground with forefeet pointing outward and is mostly associated with Buddhism. At entrances to temples the lion on the right is male and holds a ball in its paw while the left lion is female and holds a cub. A pair of lions symbolize happiness and wish for a prosperous career. The number of curls of hair on the lion's mane used to be a measure of seniority, a high official would have up to 13 coils of hair on lion statues outside his home. A lion was also the emblem of some grades of official. Two lions and a ruyi symbolizes a wish for everything to go as desired (shi shi ru yi). A translucent stone that has a cream color with varying inclusions throughout. The jade is extremely well carved giving it an aura of splendor. The jade shows finely polished moist milky appearance, with beautiful natural inclusion of milky-white tones.Measurements: 184.15mm H x 86.82mm W Weight: 270.9g Stand: 31.60mm HLOT NOTES: 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.