"Zhulong" carved jade pendant, Hongshan culture

A carved jade pendant or ornament with a patina in the shape of a coiled dragon with large round eyes and pointed ears. Pendants in this shape were worn by the elite of the Hongshan culture, whose splendor emerged in Neolithic northeastern China, to represent status. Similar objects have been discovered at sites in this area, excavated during the 20th century.

Size: 9.40 x 7 cm; Weight: 303 g

Provenance:

Currently in a private European collection, France.

Acquired at auction, Gros & Delettrez, France, 10 December 1993, lot number 156.

Purchased in 1960 in Hong Kong.