A traditional Chinese story has it that the carp in the Yellow River are changed into dragons once they jump over the dragon gate. This white jade flower holder, one of the most precious pieces at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, captures the supposed appearance of the carp as it is about to adopt its new form.
Although the basic form of the vase is that of a carp, including the head, barbels, fins, scales, curling tail resting on the waves and gaping mouth used to hold the flowers, the fish has already grown horns, and a baby dragon is clinging to its belly.
Jade sculpture is separated into the old and new schools, according to whether it dates before or after the start of the Ching Dynasty. Most of the "old" jade has to be excavated, so the colors are faded and more subtle. The Chinese classic Yu Chi or "Jade Record" describes how the color of jade is influenced by the minerals in the stone. For instance, pieces permeated by loess are likely to be tinged with yellow; by lime, red, and by mercury, black. While scientific tests do not bear this theory out, it is true that the color of jade can be changed by subjecting it to high temperature, humidity and pressure. Tinges of green and black edges are the dominating features of the jade used in this illustrated carving.
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