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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;toomanytocount, post: 257567, member: 5115&quot;]From 2000 or so, I became involved with Chinese and Japanese decorative items, as well as all sorts of exports.</p><p>The dragon is an important symbol in China and Japan. For China it represents the Emperor, with 5 claws, less than that it represents lesser officials. It also has a connection with the Asian Buddhist religion and it&#039;s symbols.</p><p>I discovered that post 1950, after the Communist government was established yet maintained a very lucrative export presence for the Western markets, a lot of pieces were made of various parts. Some were quite amusing, as the people doing it did not know how the original looked, for example: applying handles upside down.</p><p>Not surprised to see your mirror and I believe your own perception of various items having been used to make a whole piece. </p><p>This does not necessary mean some part are old or antique. The stone belt hook was one of those exports too, claimed as jade then but was serpentine. Your belt hook or handle is nicer than most, with very detailed carved two layer design. Hope this helps some. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/smilies/biggrin.png" class="mceSmilie" alt=":D" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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