Hello all
I hope someone can help with this one.Recently I was visitng family in the states and my young niece had bought an ornament in a yard sale that showed a dragon holding a ball in its claw. This started me wondering if this was the origion of the ball and claw foot I seem to remember a legend(possibly chinese)about a dragon and the pearl of wisdom.If I can find out the story I might have a go at carving a foot on a stand as a gift, she likes dragons but I am not sure my carving
skills extend to a full annimal
thanks
gavin
They keep stable the fabric of the universe and their prayer is in the work of their hands
Replies
Bearing in mind the feet seem to have been in use both here and in America in the first quarter of the eighteenth century, it may be a style that was introduced from the netherlands by craftsmen following William and Mary to this country. The Dutch were great seafarers and they may have been influenced through trade to the east.
All conjecture of course.
"The foot of the dragon holding the pearl of wisdom"- I think it is Chinese in origin.
Frank
I guess all these things come down to conjecture mufti ,but that sounds like a pretty good theory to me and I wonder if thats where we get chinese chippendale
GavinThey keep stable the fabric of the universe and their prayer is in the work of their hands
There are a huge number of beliefs attached to Chinese dragons, one being that pearls came from the mouth of the sea dragon. Dragons are often shown with a ball-shaped jewel in each foot. These are not specifically pearls, but the four wish-fulfilling jewels.
Try Googling "Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs". There are some illustrations on plate 43 on page 64.
Jim
Thanks Jim I will give it a look
GavinThey keep stable the fabric of the universe and their prayer is in the work of their hands
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled