明 琥珀雕龍紋擺件|Dragon climbing a rock

Unknown

14th century · Amber · Asian Art

This dragon climbing a garden rock exemplifies Yuan-dynasty use of precious materials. Imported from Burma or the Baltic area, amber was particularly rare in China. It was used more extensively during periods when nomadic imperial houses controlled Central Asian trade routes, leading to increased supplies. The work provides evidence for the free flow of goods along the Silk Road as well as contact between China and other parts of the world.

Artist

Unknown

Date

14th century

Medium

Amber

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2018