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Title

Rectangular ornament

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Other Title
    Rectangular bead ornamented with dragon motif
    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Han dynasty 206 BCE - 220 CE → China
    Media category
    Jade
    Materials used
    jade
    Dimensions
    6.6 x 2.1 x 1.1 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Mary and Henry Fung 2007
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    359.2007
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    This rectangular ornament is carved on one side with a pair of vigorous feline-faced 'chi' dragons. The beasts writhe about, forming a graceful 'S'. The feline-faced creatures with tails that look like twisted bands are characteristic features of late-Han jade. The 'chi' dragon is defined as a 'young dragon of yellow colour' in the first Chinese dictionary, 'Shuo Wen Jie Zi' compiled in the 2nd century CE. This beast also appears on other jade ornaments such as small discs. Some scholars suggest a lizard, such as a gekko, may have been its inspiration.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, January 2012

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions