Jade Tiger‘s Gaze

Necklace Story: The Golden Eye of Departing Fire · The Eye that Calms the Seas

Origin: A Star Falls in the Southern Seas, Forged by Fire

During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, the fleet of the revered Admiral Zheng He sailed the vast oceans then known as the “Southern Seas.” One night, the stars shifted strangely, and a crimson light streaked down towards a distant island. The fleet’s geomancer observed this and proclaimed it the fall of the “Essence of Departing Fire,” predicting great change at the site.

The fleet landed to investigate. At the scorching core of the impact crater, they discovered a peculiar ore, neither metal nor jade. Its substance was nearly indestructible, yet under firelight, it shimmered with a dark golden luster as if alive. Stranger still, the ore bore a natural pattern resembling the intense gaze of a fierce tiger, with the “pupil” being a crystal node where energy seemed concentrated, as if capable of piercing through the realms of yin and yang.

The geomancer believed this object was formed from the clash and fusion of Heaven and Earth’s elemental energies of Fire and Metal (Fire typically overcomes Metal, but here Metal condensed the Fire). It contained the power to dispel falsehood and calm chaos. He commissioned the fleet’s master artisan to carve it into a pendant using the ancient Daoist forging method of the “Samadhi True Fire” (symbolizing heart, spirit, and breath), a process taking eighty-one days. The crouching tiger form represents the “Shape of Metal,” guarding the resolve and魄力 of the West; that naturally formed yellow eye is the “Eye of Departing Fire,” governing the illumination and insight of the South. Minute Bagua Xun (Wind) trigrams were inscribed upon the tiger’s body, symbolizing mastery over the winds and the calming of waves.

Legend: Calming the Seas, Guiding the Way Home

Upon its completion, Admiral Zheng He presented the pendant to a young officer who had repeatedly distinguished himself through meritorious service. In subsequent voyages, whenever the fleet encountered unnatural fog, treacherous storms, or when crew members were beguiled by mirages, the tiger pendant hidden against the officer’s chest would grow subtly warm, its yellow eye seemingly offering guidance through the darkness. On the most legendary night, when the fleet faced mountainous waves, the officer raised the pendant high. Its golden light pierced the curtain of rain like a beacon, illuminating a hidden, safe harbor and saving the entire fleet from certain doom. From then on, the name “The Tiger’s Eye that Calms the Seas” spread quietly among them.

It became more than a talisman; it transformed into a symbol of the warrior’s spirit—where external ferocity (Metal) must unite with internal clarity (Fire) to see through illusion and anchor one’s course amidst turmoil.

Heritage and Rebirth

After the fleet’s return, 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 energy, he resolved to “reawaken” it with modern artistry.

The designer preserved the original玄学 essence of “Fire and Metal forged together.” The steadfast resolve of Metal was captured in 18K gold alloy. Special techniques were used to set amber and rare yellow diamonds as the tiger’s eye, recreating the penetrating glow of the “Eye of Departing Fire.” The chain features an infinity knot-inspired clasp design, alluding to the cycles and eternity within Eastern philosophy.

Modern Meaning: Your Inner Compass

Today, this necklace is no longer merely a historical relic. It is endowed with a new purpose: to awaken that inner “sea-calming” power within every wearer.

• The Yellow Eye is “Departing Fire”: It illuminates the fog on your path, granting you the wisdom to perceive truth and discern opportunity. It reminds you that true power stems from lucid awareness.

• The Tiger Form is “Dui Metal”: It safeguards your courage and decisiveness, helping you stand firm against challenges, instilling you with unshakable resolve.

• The Harmony of Metal and Fire: It balances your inner energy—preventing excessive rigidity or fleeting浮躁. It allows for wisdom in action and sharpness within calm.

This pendant is said to have once guided a fleet home. Now, it aims to help you, through any storm, find your way back to inner peace and self-assurance.