A Chinese Carved White Jade Belt Hook Mounted as a Magnifying Glass

A Chinese carved white jade belt hook, later mounted as the handle of a magnifying glass. The jade is finely carved in relief and openwork with a sinuous chilong climbing along the shaft, terminating in a dragon-head hook. The stone is of creamy white tone with natural russet inclusions, exhibiting a smooth, well-polished surface. The circular magnifying lens is set within a metal frame, creating an elegant combination of a traditional Chinese jade ornament and a later functional object. Originally worn as part of an aristocratic belt fitting, jade belt hooks were highly prized from the Han dynasty onward and continued to be appreciated by scholars and collectors in later periods. This example illustrates the enduring admiration for antique Chinese jade, thoughtfully repurposed into a refined desktop accessory while preserving the beauty and craftsmanship of the original carving.

Dimensions: Overall Length 9 1/2 inches (24.1 cm); Jade Belt Hook Length 3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm).

白玉雕螭龙纹带钩改制放大镜

白玉雕带钩，后配金属镜框改制为放大镜。带钩采用高浮雕及透雕工艺雕饰，一条螭龙蜿蜒攀附于钩身，钩首雕作龙首，造型古朴而富有动感。玉质呈温润乳白色，局部可见天然褐黄色沁色，通体打磨细腻，包浆莹润。后世将古玉与金属镜框巧妙结合，制成一件兼具实用功能与收藏价值的文房雅玩。

玉带钩自汉代以来即为贵族服饰的重要组成部分，不仅具有实用功能，更是身份与品位的象征。至明清时期，古玉带钩受到文人雅士的珍视，常被重新装配为文房陈设或赏玩器物。本件即体现了古玉在后世的再利用与收藏传统，在保留原有雕刻艺术价值的同时，赋予其新的实用功能，展现了中国古玉历久弥新的艺术魅力。

尺寸：整体长9 1/2英寸（24.1厘米）；玉带钩长3 3/4英寸（9.5厘米）。

Jade belt hook altered with hole drilled in top for magnifying glass to attach. Soiling and dust. For condition report, contact Asian Art Department.