Height 5 in., Width 5 in., Depth 1.75 in. Weight 15.5 oz. Traditionally, the Chinese Pi Xiu figure statues symbolize prosperity, protection, and wealth. This Chinese carved stone figure depicts a Pi Xiu -- the powerful auspicious mythical beast of Chinese cosmology combining leonine and draconic features with a stout scaled body, curling flame mane, single upward curving horn and a raised curling tail -- carved in a striding pose with head raised and mouth open displaying fierce protective energy, the body covered with incised scale, flame and feather detail rendered with considerable skill and fluency. The stone is a translucent celadon green -- either nephrite jade, serpentine or bowenite -- with a warm yellow-green tone and subtle variation between lighter and more translucent areas that gives the carving a luminous internal depth particularly evident in the thinner extremities of the tail and mane. The Pi Xiu occupies a unique position in Chinese cosmological symbolism as a creature that consumes wealth but has no passage for its release -- making it among the most powerful emblems of wealth accumulation and financial protection in the Chinese decorative arts tradition, widely displayed in homes and businesses and considered one of the most auspicious gifts in Chinese culture. The figure is presented on an original pierced and carved hardwood stand with key fret border and scrolling foliate apron on bracket feet, the stand fitted to the base of the figure.