#C5082 

Mammoth Ivory Sea Dragon Netsuke, Kyanite, 18k Gold Vermeil Necklace

Necklace is 20” around including the butterfly which is 2 3/4” x 1 3/4”

                           ON HOLD FOR CUSTOMER

$1100

This necklace is made with a beautifully carved mammoth ivory dragon netsuke and dramatic iridescent blue kyanite.  The dragon is the imperial emblem of the Emperors from the Han period, the coat of arms being two dragons contesting the fiery pearl. The dragon, a supernatural creature, is the symbol of power, strength, wisdom and goodness and represents the utmost in attainment: good luck and success in life. It is also believed to be the guardian of hidden treasures. It represents the spirit of growth and change. People born in the year of the dragon are thought to have superior talents. They are intelligent, creative leaders who are both sincere and trustworthy.

The netsuke is a miniature carving created by Japanese and Chinese artists for over three hundred years. These carvings were traditionally used to prevent the cord attached to a gentleman's medicine box or tobacco pouch from slipping through the belt of his kimono. Today, they are highly collectible works of art. The netsukes, often signed by the artist, are getting harder to find as the detail in each piece takes patience and time and the younger Chinese are not so interested in pursuing this art form.

Kyanite, a sapphire blue colored stone, mined in Sra Lanka, is a blue silicate mineral.  Kyanite is a translucent stone with near sapphire-like blue color and a pearly luster with a silvery sheen. In ancient times it was believed that a kyanite suspended from a human hair could fallow the Earth's magnetic force like a compass needle. In those times travelers took kyanite along with them, when they entered unknown territories.

Mammoth Ivory comes from the extinct mammoth elephant that roamed the Earth during the Pliocene era from around 4.8 million to 4,500 years ago. Because they are extinct they are not endangered and therefore, are legal and save the African elephant.  The artisans that carved elephant ivory are now carving mammoth ivory that is recovered in Siberia.