In this jade masterpiece of the Ching dynasty, a pigeon perches on an arched stand, which is in turn balanced on the nose of a ram. The feathers and tail of the pigeon are finely articulated, and the features of the ram simply and cleanly carved.
Made from quality white jade, the handles were placed on staves traditionally presented to elderly persons in ancient times (especially in the Han dynasty) to wish them good health. The sentiment was based on the belief that since pigeons do not choke, neither would the owner of the staff.
Another legend describes how Liu Pang, before he became founding emperor of the Han dynasty, hid out in a field after being chased by his strongest rival, Hsiang Yu. As Hsiang's soldiers were about to search the field, they saw a pigeon perched on top of a stalk cooing peacefully. Assuming this meant that no one had recently disturbed the bird, the soldiers left, and Liu Pang was able to escape. To show his gratitude, he presented "pigeon staves" to old men after he was enthroned, and the tradition was born.
The ram incorporated in the handle is a symbol of happiness.
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