Dragon & the Pearl of Wisdom

The myth

According to legend, only a carp which has managed to present itself at the Dragon gate, after many attempts to travel up the river, receives the honor of being transformed into a dragon. This parable is the story of the student who wanted to serve the Emperor. The carp changing into a dragon here stands as a symbol of perseverance.

The pearl represents Imperial wisdom. Forming an inseparable duo, “they allude to social climbing within the Imperal hierarchy, to power, wisdom and protection against negative influences”, explains Swiss sinologist Estelle Niklès van Osselt.