Jade Tiger‘s Gaze

During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, the revered Admiral Zheng He led his fleet across the vast ocean then known as the “Southern Sea”. One night, the stars shifted in an uncanny way, and a streak of crimson light streaked toward a distant island. The fleet’s feng shui master observed this omen and declared it the “fall of the essence of the departing fire”, a portent of momentous change to come upon that land.

The fleet landed to investigate. At the searing core of the impact crater, they discovered an extraordinary ore—neither metal nor jade. The substance was nearly indestructible, yet beneath firelight, it shimmered with a deep golden luster, as if infused with life. Stranger still, the ore bore a natural grain resembling the piercing gaze of a tiger; its “pupil” was a crystalline node where energy converged, as if capable of piercing the veil between yin and yang.

The geomancer (dìmài shī) believed this object was forged from the collision and fusion of heaven and earth’s elemental energies—fire and metal (fire typically overcomes metal, yet here metal had condensed fire within itself). It held the power to dispel deceit and calm chaos. He commissioned the fleet’s master craftsman to carve it into a pendant using the ancient Daoist forging technique of “Samadhi True Fire” (symbolizing mind, spirit, and breath), a process that spanned eighty-one days. The latent tiger form embodied the “metal essence”—the resolve and courage to guard the west; the naturally formed golden-yellow eye was the “Eye of Li Fire” (Li Huo), ruling over the light and insight of the south. Carved onto the tiger was the character “Wind” (fēng), symbolizing mastery over winds and the calming of waves.

Once the pendant was completed, Admiral Zheng He bestowed it upon a young officer who had repeatedly distinguished himself through extraordinary merit. In subsequent voyages, whenever the fleet encountered unnatural mists, treacherous storms, or crew members bewitched by mirages, the tiger pendant hidden against the officer’s chest would grow faintly warm, its golden-yellow eye seeming to guide the way through darkness. On its most legendary night, as the fleet faced towering waves, the officer held the pendant aloft. Its golden radiance cut through the rain like a lighthouse, illuminating a hidden safe harbor and saving the entire fleet from certain doom. From that day forth, the name “Tiger’s Eye that Calms the Waves” quietly spread among them.

It was more than a talisman; it became a symbol of a warrior’s spirit—outer ferocity (metal) must align with inner clarity (flame) to see through illusions and anchor one’s path amid turmoil.

After the fleet returned, the pendant was passed down through the officer’s family, gradually fading from history. Centuries later, an antique jewelry restorer chanced upon its surviving core—the “Tiger’s Eye”—overseas. Deeply moved by its profound story and inherent vitality, he resolved to “awaken” it with modern artistry.

The designer preserved the original metaphysical essence of “fire and metal forged as one”. The unyielding resolve of metal was captured in 18K gold alloy. Amber and rare yellow diamonds were set into the tiger’s eye using a special technique, recreating the piercing radiance of the “Eye of the Departed Flame”. The chain featured a clasp design inspired by the endless knot, alluding to the cycles and eternity of Eastern philosophy.

Today, this necklace is no longer merely a relic of history. It has been given a new purpose: to awaken within every wearer the inner power of “oceanic calm”.

The golden-yellow eye is the “Departed Flame”: it pierces the mists along your path, endowing you with the wisdom to perceive truth and discern opportunity. It reminds you that true strength springs from conscious awareness.

The tiger form is “Liquid Gold” (Jiǔ Jīn): it safeguards your courage and resolve, helping you stand unwavering amid challenges and instilling in you unshakable determination.

Harmony of Metal and Flame: It balances your inner energies—guarding against excessive rigidity or fleeting restlessness. It infuses action with wisdom, and calm with sharp purpose.

This pendant once guided a fleet home. Now, it aims to help you rediscover inner peace and confidence amid any storm.