A Chinese gilt bronze 'dragon carp' paperweight

Reference: ART1001663

The piece is modelled as a mythical creature with fierce dragon head with its mouth open and carp body leaping from tumultuous foaming waves. The base with an apocryphal Yongzheng mark.

Catalogue notes: The imagery of a dragon carp comes from the myth that a carp that can leap over Dragon's Gate falls on the Yellow River would itself turn into a dragon. This represents the wish for the much coveted success in civil service examinations.