A CHINESE JADE C-SHAPED DRAGON, HONGSHAN CULTURE

Dimensions: Height 8 cm Wide 7 cm Depth 2 cm
Weight: 182 grams

Carved in a compact C-shaped curve, this pale green stone ornament has a rounded body terminating in a stylised animal head. A large circular eye, short incised lines around the snout and two perforations near the upper curve give definition to the otherwise smooth silhouette. Subtle darker mottling within the polished surface adds depth to the softly modelled form.

The object's strength lies in the balance between the broad curved mass, the pierced opening and the concentrated detail of the head.