Obsidian Pixiu Ruyi Necklace

A pixiu crouched on a ruyi, carved from one piece of obsidian.

The pixiu (貔貝) is the wealth guardian that takes fortune in and has no way to let it go. The ruyi (如意) it rests on is the curled sceptre whose name means "as you wish", once handed to officials and still given at weddings and new years as a plain hope that things turn out the way you want. Put together, they make a small, specific wish: for wealth, and for it to stay.

The carver has left the pixiu and its ground matte and polished only the ruyi curl, so the wish is the part that catches the light. Obsidian is volcanic glass, long kept for grounding and protection, which makes this a piece that guards as much as it gathers. It hangs on a black bead chain, and is worn by someone opening a business, or given to mark a new year.