Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty 18th – early 19th Century Dragon Belt Hook

Antique 18th – early 19th Century Chinese Qing Dynasty Dragon Belt Hook mounted as a magnifying glass handle in a gilt copper mount with engraved flowers and leaf decoration attached to a circular polished magnifying lens. A well carved belt hook with a large dragon head hook with bulging eyes, curled horns and pierced mouth. The body of the belt hook is carved with fine openwork with a writhing chilong holding lingzhi in its mouth. The reverse with a raised button.
 
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, due to the changes in Chinese fashion, many luxury belt hooks losing their function as garment adornments, particularly those made of expensive material as Ivory and Jade, were reused and mounted as handles for magnifying glasses.
 
Length of the Ivory Belt Hook: 10.2 cm (4.0 in). Overall Length: 18 cm (7 1/8 in).
 
Condition: In very good condition, no cracks, chips, or restorations, comes with the silk slipcase for the lens.