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I figured this may have been carved and then converted into a pin / brooch. I say this only because both sides are carved and it seems odd that they would do this knowing the back would be covered in a brooch setting. Very nicely carved. The face of the character looks like a dragon with a fish tail. Is this some kind of creature or is it just meant to be a dragon or a fish. Any idea on age? Thanks for the help.

I have a few more questions if anyone wouldn't mind answering. I read up a little and I believe this figure is called a Shachi or Shachihoko in Japan. Dragon head and fish body typically a home ornament during the Edo period. Does that make it more than likely to be Japanese or were these figures used in Chinese culture as well?

The next question is does this more closely resemble jade or some other kind of material? In my experience jade resembled gem stone qualities ie. hard, lustrous. This almost looks like its a clay like consistency. In some lights it has a shine while in others it's got a matte green look like clay. Do some types of jade look this way? I've seen jade look many different ways, but I'm no expert on it and couldn't say for sure based on it's looks. Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it.

Looks more like turquoise to me. It's a decent quality carving of a classical chinese motive. It's common for antique jades/stone carvings to be made into brooches and other jewelry items.

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