Pair of 17-18th Century Architectural Carvings of Dragon Fish. These pair of well carved water dragon or dragon fish once graced an elegant and elaborate ancient Chinese building or temple as part of its architectural structure with its vivid expression and for its auspicious symbol. It was said in ancient Chinese mythology that the sun had nine sons, nine dragons. The water dragon being one of them that can cause big waves and was the king of the ocean. Carp and fish is often used in Chinese culture for the auspicious meaning of plentiful-ness and for the career advancement or success of a young male as well. Such motif used for an ancient wooden structure also embedded the wishful thinking of a safe structure away from the fire. This pair of dragon head and fish tail combined creatures, carved on both sides with the same motif, is missing the end of a tail on one of them. One of the bare wooden part (without carving) that was used to insert or to connect to another part of the structure was also rotted, but nevertheless, as old as they are, they have withstood the weather and the test of time. As is.

Dimensions for each: 23 1/4" L x 7 3/4" W x 2 1/4" D

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