Chinese belt toggles called 'zhuizi' are small carved ornaments used as counterweights on the cords of pipe bags and other small bags which were usually hung on men's belts.

Chinese clothes were not well provided with pockets, so bags which could be suspended from a belt were useful articles of attire. In order to fulfil its primary purpose of securing things to a belt, a toggle must have what the Chinese called a 'string eye', which could pass a string or cord.

Toggle wearing disappeared from China in the 1940s, when western style clothing replaced traditional clothing.

Ivory made a pleasing effect with its creamy colouring, natural markings and patterned cracking due to age.
It was believed that ivory and other animal products had many auspicious and medical powers of their own, to an even greater extent than many of the woods.

The fungus 'ling zhi', also known as the Plant of Long Life/Immortality, is seen to be a sacred plant and an emblem of longevity. It was also said to grow when virtuous monarchs were about to reign.
Mystics of the Taoist sect believed the seeds of the 'ling zhi' were the food of the genii and, in general, is symbolic of all that is good.

(references)
Cammann, Schuyler, Substance and Symbol in Chinese Toggles, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1962, London, pp.61
Williams, C.A.S., Outlines of Chinese Symbolism and Art Motives, Dover Publications, 1976, New York, pp.328.

This toggle is part of a group that was collected in Peking by Hedda and Alastair Morrison between 1940 and 1942. Most of them were purchased from markets outside Chongwenmen Gate, and in Liulichang, a street known for its antique shops.

Dress accessory, toggle, fungi, Plant of Immortality, ivory, China, c. 1700-1940

Ivory with well-marked annularity, carved on the front surface to represent the sacred fungus 'ling zhi'. The depiction of the fungus is cloud-like and stylised. The back is mostly plain and the curved stem forms the loop for attachment.

Made: China; 1700 - 1940

Owned: Morrison, Hedda;

Owned: Morrison, Alastair;

92/617

1700 - 1940

35 mm

49 mm

12 mm