Period:Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) Date:13th century Culture:China 南宋 Medium:Carved black, red, and yellow lacquer Dimensions:H. 3 in (7.6 cm); Diam. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.4a, b Known as chi, the feline dragons that curve along the surface of this box were inspired by comparable creatures found on Bronze Age vessels, which were rediscovered during the Song dynasty and often reinterpreted in the arts of that period. Although they lack the large horns, prominent snouts, and scaled body of the typical Chinese depiction of the dragon, chi dragons are also regarded as auspicious and protective.
Period:Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) Date:13th century Culture:China 南宋 Medium:Carved black, red, and yellow lacquer Dimensions:H. 3 in (7.6 cm); Diam. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm) Classification:Lacquer Credit Line:Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2015 Accession Number:2015.500.1.4a, b Known as chi, the feline dragons that curve along the surface of this box were inspired by comparable creatures found on Bronze Age vessels, which were rediscovered during the Song dynasty and often reinterpreted in the arts of that period. Although they lack the large horns, prominent snouts, and scaled body of the typical Chinese depiction of the dragon, chi dragons are also regarded as auspicious and protective.