Courtesy of the Harn Museum of Art, Photography by Randy Batista

Pig Dragon

Artist Unknown Chinese Artist

DateNeolithic period, c. 3500-3000 BCE or later

Made/manufacturedChina, Asia

MediumJade

Dimensions2 5/16 x 3/4 x 1 7/8 in. (5.9 x 1.9 x 4.8 cm)

ClassificationsClothing and accessories

Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin

Object number2009.48.278

Collections

ASIAN

DescriptionThis zhulong is of mottled brown-green jade which is consistent with archaeological excavations of Hongshan sites. Its thick, feline-like body is curled into a tubular circular form. The head is distinguished by two large circular eyes framed by key-hole shaped open loops. Its flat snout and forehead are characterized by grooves of short line which represent wrinkles. The tail sweeps around to almost meet the mouth. At the back of the head, a biconically-bored hole is drilled from both sides to hang the pendant. The piece has an overall soft, rounded polish. (Bernstein appraisal)