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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1943.50.444.A
Title
Jade Dragon Silhouette (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/205059

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bluish green and buff, partly discolored nephrite
Dimensions
11.9 x 6.4 x 0.3 cm (4 11/16 x 2 1/2 x 1/8 in.)
unspecified: 43 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. 419 by Max Loehr:

419 Pair of Dragon Silhouettes
Bluish green and buff, partly discolored jade slabs, cut into two virtually identical silhouettes of flamboyantly curvilinear dragons. The heads are characterized by upcurled muzzles, short, curved lower jaws, and forward-bent, grooved horns or crests; there is no indication of the eyes. The bodies widen below the neck, then gradually narrow toward the tail. Their contours are enlivened by rhythmically designed appendages, which might be read as wings or claws; some of the appendages which link one part to another serve to lessen the fragility of these complicated openwork forms. The bodies of the dragons are covered with spiral curls in low relief. They are perforated near the lowermost part of the bodies. 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
1943.50.444.A
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

THIS WORK MAY NOT BE LENT BY THE TERMS OF ITS ACQUISITION TO THE HARVARD ART MUSEUMS.

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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 (Cambridge, MA, Fogg Art Museum, 1975)., cat. no. 419a, p. 288

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