Pair of gold pendants in the form of a carp

This pair of pendants are in the shape of a fish with dragon heads. The fish are hollow and made from two embossed golden sheets, soldered together. The eyes of the fish are set with rose-cut diamonds. Pendants like these were called kalung baderan, carp necklaces. In Chinese symbolism a carp represents endeavor, courage, and perseverance. According to a Chinese legend, carp swim upstream against the current of the Yellow river. At the upper course of the river is a waterfall, called the Dragon Gate. Only a few succeed in making the final leap over the waterfall, and turn into dragons. Hence necklaces like these were worn as a good-luck charm. Peranakan Chinese children were given such pendants so that they would succeed in life. The carp is also auspicious in that it represents a wish for advantage. The Chinese word li means ‘carp’, but if pronounced in a different tone can also mean ‘advantage’.

(East) Java; early 20th century; gold, diamond