flying dragon with curving body; long, straight tail; black mount; incised scales and details

Flying Dragon, one of a pair, 8th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

Gilt bronzeexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  2000.87.2.1

The dragon is the universal emblem of China's cultural glory. As early as the Neolithic period, the Chinese considered this mythological creature to be an auspicious animal residing in heaven that provided rain and nourished life. By the late Bronze Age, the dragon was equated with the emperor, and in 221 BCE, Qin Shi Huang Di, the great unifier of China and builder of the Great Wall, proclaimed himself to be a descendent of the dragon. From then on, virtually every ruler was referred to as the "The True Dragon, Son of Heaven," the Chinese court was known as the dragon throne, and official court garments were dragon robes.

Details
Title
Flying Dragon, one of a pair
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.87.2.1
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

flying dragon with curving body; long, straight tail; black mount; incised scales and details