Tail biting dragon hoop, Eastern Han dynasty

A yellow jade ring with reddish tones that is composed of three dragons chained together and biting their tails. The details of the faces, spiral tails and scales are found on the obverse and are very vividly displayed. The reverse is not completely smooth, with a few waves and curled ends. On the outside, the fins show small holes for the insertion of cords. In good condition with stains and reddish patina "沁色" (qìn sè) produced by antiquity.

The tail-biting dragons and snakes "咬尾龙环" (Yao wěi lóng huán) embody religious concepts of the reciprocity of heaven and its endless loops. They were common themes before the Han dynasty. In the Han dynasty, jade rings were more vivid and their decorative styles more ornate. Unlike flat-shaped dragon pendants, this set of dragons are cleverly designed and show the aesthetic taste of the period.

Size: 6.9 x 2 x 7 cm; Weight: 62 g