Description:

Ancient East Asia, Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. A lovely pendant in the form of a pig dragon that is hand-carved from a creamy white stone with a mottled surface. The thick pendant has a curved, rounded body, a stylized head with a perforation on the neck, and a notch between the mouth and tip of tail. The head is often compared as pig or boar-like and contains a pair of bulging horns or ears and large eyes outlined with concentric incised lines and squared snout. Scholars suggest that the pig dragon is the first representation of the Chinese dragon. The character for "dragon" in the earliest Chinese writing has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang period. Pig bones have been found interred alongside humans at Hongshan burial sites, suggesting that the animal had some ritual significance. Size: 2.25" L x 0.8" W x 3" H (5.7 cm x 2 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Arts du Monde, private collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired 1990s

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#169833

  • Condition: Chips and 2 shallow cavities on the spine area of the dragon. Some nicks and surface abrasions, otherwise intact. Stone is highly polished and smooth.

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February 24, 2022 10:00 AM MST
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Artemis Fine Arts

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