Astonishing ancient Chinese bead talisman made between the reign of Western Zhou and Han dynasty (approximately 1st millennium BC). Ornament has been carved from precious and an extremely rare turquoise gemstone. It depicts a dolphin, a symbol of grace, vitality and auspicious fortune in early Chinese culture. Animal has magnificently reproduced anatomical features, as well as a perfectly shaped streamlined body with characteristic curved back and irregular holes for suspension. It has undergone a professional clearing process to highlight a beautiful blue-green color of the surface without removing originally preserved signs of patina and earthen deposits before it was exhibited in museum*. * MUSEUM EXHIBIT - Artifact was proudly displayed in 2013 for six months at the Southeast Asian Gold Museum (Budapest, Hungary) as a part of exhibition of ancient Chinese talismans from the distinguished collection of Dr. István Zelnik. It includes our Certificate Of Authenticity document (lifetime authentic warranty) and jewellery cord for suspension. Excellent condition - intact and well-preserved Dimensions: 9mm (W) x 17mm (D) x 19mm (H) PROVENANCE INFORMATION: Talisman was acquired by our company from a very prestigious Belgian auction house in 2023. Previous ownership history: - H.E.B.L. private collection (former ambassador in China) - Dr. István Zelnik collection Dr. István Zelnik is a former highly ranked Hungarian diplomat, researcher, author of more than 30 essays, albums and books about Southeast Asian art, politics and economy. He is also a renowned collector, owner of one of the largest private collections of Asian art in Europe—comprising more than 80,000 items, including , jewellery, ritual objects and over 10,000 artifacts made of gold (collection widely regarded as one of the three most significant private gold collections in the world). - Prestigious H.V.P. auction house collection from Uccle, Belgium