We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Garment hook

Artists

Unknown Artist

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Qing dynasty 1644 - 1911 → China
    Media category
    Jade
    Materials used
    jade
    Dimensions
    1.8 x 2.0 x 8.0 cm
    Credit
    Gift of Elizabeth Stead 2004
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    233.2004
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Share

  • About

    Crafted from pale celadon jade with a curved shape, the hook ends in a dragon's head with an open mouth and a pair of protruding eyes. The 'chi' dragon with its contorted body is depicted in full relief on the handle. Its backward-flying mane and fluent twisted body suggest the swift movement and strength of the creature. The base contains a plain circular stud. This motif is commonly referred to as the "blue dragon teaching its son", in which the big head represents the father dragon and the small creature its offspring.

    Asian Art Department, AGNSW, January 2012

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 2 exhibitions