Dragon Pendant with Incised Spirals
Culture
Chinese
Date5th–4th century BCE
Mediumaltered nephrite
Dimensions14.1 cm (5 9/16 in.)
ClassificationsCostumes and Accessories
Credit LineGift of Drs. Ann and Robert Walzer
Object number2007.113
Label TextDuring the late Eastern Zhou dynasty, talismanic dragon pendants supplemented and then supplanted tiger pendants. During the later Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), the tiger and the dragon were defined as the rulers of the animals on earth and in the sky, and in charge of protecting the western and eastern directions.
The early dragon pendant with incised spirals (TOP) has turned white due to humid burial conditions. Details, such as extensions representing crest, limbs, flames and claws, and raised spiral "grain" patterns (ON DECK) were sometimes embellished with applied gold. The third dragon is believed to be copy of a Warring States prototype, made during the Song dynasty when woodblock-printed depictions of ancient works facilitated the creation of archaistic-style objects.
ProvenanceArts du Mond Gallery, Mei Li Dong, New York, NY; July 2000, purchased by Drs. Ann and Robert Walzer, Redding, CT; 2007, donated to the Worcester Art Museum.On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 110
