Ivory has always been considered as one of the most precious materials for carving. Ivory sculpture in China reached its peak in the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) especially during the reign of Emperor Chien Lung.
The exquisite dragon boat pictured here, 3.6 cm high and 5 cm long, was carved from ivory in the shape of a dragon. There are eight oars on each side of the boat, and on the railed deck are three-storied cabins and arched corridors. Doors and windows in the cabins are meticulously carved, and moveable. The boat has 16 flying pennants, and the canopy is carved as if it is being blown by the wind.
The dragon boat is placed in a lacquer box carved in the shape of a cock. Another box containing a similar carved ivory boat is carved in white jade in the shape of a rabbit. The two ornaments make an attractive pair, with the cock symbolizing the sun and the rabbit the moon. Both pieces are among the collection in the National Palace Museum in Taipei.