Jade Dragon Configuration (one of a pair)

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1943.50.449.B
Title: Jade Dragon Configuration (one of a pair)
Classification: Ritual Implements
Work Type: ornament
Date: 475 BCE - 221 BCE
Places: Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period: Zhou dynasty, Warring States period, 475-221 BCE
Culture: Chinese
Persistent Link: https://hvrd.art/o/204708

Physical Descriptions

Medium: Translucent celadon-green nephrite with tan and dark brown markings
Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.3 x 0.6 cm (4 1/8 x 1 11/16 x 1/4 in.)
unspecified: 49 g

Published Text

Catalogue: Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University
Authors: Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber
Publisher: Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975)

Catalogue entry no. 422 by Max Loehr:

422 Pair of Dragon Configurations
Translucent celadon-green jade with tan markings and dark brown marginal areas. Through unequal in size, the two pieces are nearly identical in design and apparently were carved from the same chunk of stone. The bodies of the dragons from continuously curved bands filled with small, plastic spiral-curls; the hooks and tail-ends are striated. A single claw connects the body with the neck. The heads resemble those of the types described above (Nos. 420, 421), except that in 422 a the lower jaw does not end in a pointed hook but forms a rectangle. Juxtaposed to the tail of each of these dragons is a small dragon whose head appears in low relief on the tail of the big one. The bodies of these smaller dragons show a different pattern, consisting of rope borders, cross-hatched scales, and engraved curls and chevrons. Holes in the middle of the forepart of the dragon bodies suggest that these pendants were suspended horizontally. In both cases the forward (or upper) edges are rather crudely finished. Late Eastern Chou.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Grenville L. Winthrop

Accession Year

1943

Object Number

1943.50.449.B

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Publication History

Max Loehr and Louisa G. Fitzgerald Huber, Ancient Chinese Jades from the Grenville L. Winthrop Collection in the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1975), cat. no. 422b, p. 290

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

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