漢 鎏金銅龍頭飾|Finial in the shape of a dragon head

Unknown

1st–2nd century · Gilt bronze with traces of red pigment · Asian Art

The dragon in China is an auspicious emblem of nature’s creative forces and is often visualized in art as a composite creature. This sleek example, with its elongated neck, flared nostrils, and gaping mouth, may have been inspired by the heavenly horses thought to dwell in Central Asia.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1st–2nd century

Medium

Gilt bronze with traces of red pigment

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber, 1992