A WHITE JADE RETICULATED KALAVINKA PENDANT 元代或更晚 白玉迦陵頻伽掛墜 China, Yuan dynasty or later H.4cm NOTE The Kalaviṅka is a mythical immortal creature in Buddhism, possessing a human head and a bird's torso, along with a long flowing tail. It is believed to reside in the Western pure land and is renowned for preaching the Dharma with its melodious voice. According to legend, it sings even while still in its eggshell. Its voice is often compared to that of the Buddha. See mural painting from the Dunhuang Grottos of mid-Tang dynasty.

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