Description
this item is about 6-7 inches in length. The stone is possibly a form of jade, although it is difficult to confirm. It also appears to have a brownish gold glaze handpainted on the toads. It is hand carved, and the detail is impressive. the only marking is the number 22 scratched on the bottom of the lily pad, possibly a lot number from a previous auction?
Re: Chinese toads with coin in their mouth
"The Three legged toad or also known as Money Frog is the best symbol of making money. As per legend, three legged toad is seems to be exist on the moon. When there is an eclipse, it seems that the toad is seen swallowing the moon. In other myths, is the wife of one of the eight immortals that stole the elixir of importability from the Queen of the West, Wang Mu. She ran to the moon and there she was transform to a toad by the GODS.
Also related to the legend of Three legged toad is Lui Hai, one of the 8 Immortals, A Minister of State who live during the Tenth Century. Lu Hai knows that the three legged toad is fondness for money, he uses bait, a red line tied with gold coins and lure the three legged toad out from hiding. From the Lu Hai’s legend, it become popular that three legged toad with coins symbolize wealth is about to come and greet you if you display a three legged toad in your home.
The Three Legged Toad also represents the symbol of attractive good fortune and wealth luck. If you are a business man, put a three legged toad in your office and it will attract good fortune and wealth luck for your business."
There is a type of yellow jade but this appears to be resin. If you take a pin and heat it with flame you can stick it in the item and see if it melts. :)
Re: Chinese toads with coin in their mouth
I tried the resin test. It is definitely stone. It weighs between 2 and 3 pounds. the yellow you see appears to be a paint or a glaze. If you look at the lily pad, you will see the green rock underneath. Thanks for your input, I wasn't aware of the meaning of the coin in the mouth.