Description:

Antique Nephrite Shi-Zi Amulet
In the Han style, carved nephrite, with four stylized carved lions linked by ornate waves. Dark multi-hued green typical of older nephrite. Lions, Shi-Zi, are usually carved in stone, symbolizing strength and power. In Song literature it is the "King of Beasts" and it is considered especially magical because Manjusri (Wen-Shu) – the Bodhisattva of Wisdom – rides on the Shi-Zi. Lions rival dragons for popularity as spiritual guardians, and worn on the left wrist are said to protect vital life energy from harm. If broken, a nephrite amulet is said to have "protected" the wearer, which accounts for the relative rarity of antique nephrite (an ancient jade).