Carp known to most Westerners as Koi Fish, the Chinese carp has numerous symbolic values within Chinese culture. The carp is a powerful symbol of strength and perseverance. The scales and whiskers of the carp resemble that of a dragon, a great symbol of power in China. Length: 13.1 inches (33.5 cm); Height: 7.5 inches (19.5 cm); Width: 3.75 inches (10.8 cm); Weight: 14.4 lb. (6.530 kg); Mohs’ hardness: 5.0 - 5.5; Circa 19th century; Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Mineral: Fluorite – Mohs’ hardness: 5.0-5.5; Fluorite was mined in the Hunan, Fujian or Jiangxi province. Provenance: brought to USA in 1970’s by Chinese emigrants from Vietnam This work depicts a little boy sitting on a large fish with a long tail, and he holds the end of the fish tail. Actually, the large fish with a long tail represents Ao, a huge legendary animal combining fish and dragon from sea. A boy sitting on the head of Ao represents a lucky meaning: to come to the first in triennial palace examinations. In ancient China, the main purpose of scholars’ study was to pass the civil examinations to get official position from the governments. Therefore, this piece should be made for the interest of scholars, installing in a scholar’s studio. There is a carved cavity underneath, which is for a pedestal to make the art work stable. References: 1) https://www.fabreminerals.com/specimens/RSCN-china-notable-specimens.php 2) https://www.chinasage.info/symbols/animals.htm#XLXLSymAo