Untitled

Unknown

18th century · Ivory · Asian Art

The dragon is the only mythical beast included in the zodiac. A cosmological symbol of Chinese origin, the dragon is associated with water and is often depicted emerging from vapor and clouds to produce rain. Represented here is the dragon of Handaka Sonja (one of the sixteen special disciples of Buddha), shown emerging from an alms bowl and holding a jewel (tama).

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Ivory

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891