A SMALL LIGHT GREEN JADE PENDANT IN THE SHAPE OF AN ARCHER’S RING WITH A DRAGON IN RELIEF
A SMALL LIGHT GREEN JADE PENDANT IN THE SHAPE OF AN ARCHER’S RING WITH A DRAGON IN RELIEF
Jade
China, Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD), 2nd to 1st century BC
The shape of this pendant is derived from the archer’s thumb ring, as revealed by the outline of the flat bottom adorned with a simple pattern of alternating rows of parallel incisions and curls. Instead, the top side is decorated with a curvy, long-maned dragon whose elongated body partly emerges from the jade. Additional curved elements and raised curls on the surface balance the dragon’s imposing presence. The light green jade is highly polished and very smooth: residual traces of red powder create a pleasant pink tinge over some parts of the ornament.
Dimensions: LENGTH 4.5 CM, WIDTH 3.5 CM
Condition: Undamaged
Provenance: Austrian private collection