Bowl

This jade bowl was displayed in the famous International Exhibition of Chinese Art, held at the Royal Academy of Arts in London from 1935 to 1936. At that time, it had been lent from the collection of Sir John Buchanan-Jardine. Carved from one piece of white nephrite, the exterior panels depict coiled dragons holding the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism, one in each claw. Four are shown in each panel. Visible here are (top left) the Vase, referring to the elixir of life, the container of treasures that stands for the fulfillment of all wishes; (top right) the Fish, symbolizing freedom from restraint; (bottom left) the Lotus, meaning purity; (bottom right) the Endless Knot, referring to infinite wisdom and the compassion of the Buddha.