Lovely antique red jade pendant from China, possibly from the early Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912 ce), or earlier, is adorned with a mythological winged zoomorphic creature in the clouds, possibly Hsiao or Xiao, or flying monkey. The disk is approximately 2-5/8 inches in diameter with 3/8 inch beveled inner diameter, and is 5/16 to 3/8 inch thick (25.4 mm/in) with low carved relief on both sides. The pendant is strung with 10 mm epidot rondelle beads accented with 8 mm red jasper rondelles, 3 mm agate and 4 mm metallic glass with sterling toggle clasp. The necklace is 24 inches long. Note: A bi is a flat jade disc with a circular hole in the centre. Neolithic bi are generally undecorated, while those of later periods of China, like the Zhou Dynasty, bear increasingly ornate surface carving whose motifs represented deities associated with the sky (four directions) as well as standing for qualities and powers the wearer wanted to invoke or embody. As laboriously crafted objects, they testify to the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a small elite.

As with archaic jades, the carving has been cleaned to remove superficial surface alteration from age and burial however edge, surface wear, and stable fissures are visible. Centuries of patina are still evident but only increase the natural beauty.