Description:

Northeast China, Hongshan culture, Neolithic Period, ca. 3800 to 2700 BCE. Hand-carved from a piece of heavy stone, with a fascinating sparkling black surface, this is a pendant of a pig dragon, a zoomorphic form with a pig-like or wild-boar-like head and a long, limbless body that coils around itself. The form has been described as "fetal" or "C-shaped". The eyes are deeply excavated, appearing to bug out of the face, with a thick brow and lip surrounding them. A small perforation is on the back, perhaps to allow it to be sewn onto clothing or worn on a cord. Size: 1.75" W x 2.2" H (4.4 cm x 5.6 cm)

The Hongshan culture, comprised of a group of Neolithic peoples who lived in the far north-east, in what is modern-day Liaoning province and Inner Mongolia, created a sophisticated society and erected elaborate ceremonial sites. Excavations of their temples and tombs have revealed carved stone abstract animal-shaped objects like this one.

Provenance: private Missouri, USA collection, acquired between 1965 and the 1970s

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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.

#137404

  • Condition: Light surface pitting commensurate with age. Excellent encrusted patina with some lighter colored deposits in the lower profile areas.

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July 28, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
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Artemis Fine Arts

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