Chinese dragon balls?

Factual Questions
1

I recently purchased a set of Hong Tze Chinese dragon figurines and each one is holding a ball or orb of some sort.
See example:

http://www.mounteast.com/30314.html

I’ve googled on it some and so far I can’t find any information as to the significance of the ball/orb.
I know I probably have better things to wonder about but not being able to find a answer is starting to bug me so any info on this would appreciated.

Oh, and what the hell is “Hong Tze” anyway? Is it a material, a style, a dynasty?

2

My sympathy if you’re googling for “dragon ball”…

3

Oh no, not even.
Mama raised her childen ugly, not stupid. :wink:

4

I believe it’s a pearl. One-a them Oriental good luck symbol thingies, or some such.

Chinese art often shows the dragon holding the pearl of wisdom, and arising from the sea.

5

Whoo! Hooo!

Thats it.

“A popular theme is the Sky Dragon (or Dragons) among the clouds gripping the Pearl of Wisdom, or Faith, depending on belief.”

http://www.waybacktimes.com/Col_Dragons.html

Thankya thankya, Reilly.

6

From here

7

And you also quarrossimo:)