Nephrite Jade Pendant: Ferocious Tiger Descending the Mountain

This bold pendant is hand-carved from natural nephrite jade and features a dramatic high-relief depiction of a ferocious tiger descending a mountain — one of the most powerful and iconic motifs in Chinese jade carving. The tiger is rendered with exceptional three-dimensionality: its muscular body lunges forward, mouth open in a roar, with every stripe, claw, and rippling muscle captured in vivid detail against a swirling cloud and mountain backdrop.

The carver has masterfully utilized the stone's natural multi-tone coloration — deep black, warm caramel brown, golden amber, and milky white — to bring the tiger and its mountain setting to life through the stone's own colors. The reverse face is left smooth in soft celadon white, offering a calm contrast to the dramatic front. The side profile reveals the pendant's impressive thickness, a testament to the quality and size of the original stone.

Strung on a natural braided cord with a carnelian bead accent, this pendant makes a bold statement for collectors and jade enthusiasts alike.

• Material: Natural nephrite jade with multi-tone natural skin (black, caramel, amber, white)
• Carving: High-relief tiger descending the mountain (下山虎) — front; smooth celadon reverse
• Technique: 俧色 (qiǎo sè) — skillful use of natural stone colors in the carving
• Cord: Natural braided cord with carnelian bead accent
• Dimensions: 44.4 mm × 31.8 mm · 14.6 mm thickness
• Weight: 48.28 g
• One-of-a-kind: Natural color distribution varies with each stone