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

Disc with Dragon and Rice Grain Design

Artist Unknown Chinese Artist

DateHan Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)

Made/manufacturedChina, Asia

MediumJade

DimensionsThickness x Diameter: 1/4 x 7 9/16 in. (0.6 x 19.2 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineBequest of Dr. David A. Cofrin

Object number2009.48.273

Collections

ASIAN

DescriptionCarved from a light green jade with black inclusions, both sides of the disc are divided into two finely executed concentric decor zones. The inner band contains a grid of low relief curls within elevated hexagonal units, bordered by three "Bucraniums" that embellish the outer band. They stylized dragon forms are fluidly shaped from thick and thin incisions in a curvilinear pattern and separated by incised double brackets. Consistent with the practice of the time, cinnabar was applied to enhance the surface decoration.