Period:Eastern Han dynasty (25–220) Date:1st–2nd century Culture:China 東漢 Medium:Gilt bronze with traces of red pigment Dimensions:H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); L. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) Classification:Metalwork Credit Line:Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber, 1992 Accession Number:1992.165.25 The dragon in China is an auspicious emblem of nature ’ s creative forces. Visualized as a composite creature, this sleek example, with its elongated neck, flared nostrils, and gaping mouth, may have been inspired by the “ heavenly ” horses thought to dwell in Central Asia.
Period:Eastern Han dynasty (25–220) Date:1st–2nd century Culture:China 東漢 Medium:Gilt bronze with traces of red pigment Dimensions:H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); W. 2 in. (5.1 cm); L. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm) Classification:Metalwork Credit Line:Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber, 1992 Accession Number:1992.165.25 The dragon in China is an auspicious emblem of nature ’ s creative forces. Visualized as a composite creature, this sleek example, with its elongated neck, flared nostrils, and gaping mouth, may have been inspired by the “ heavenly ” horses thought to dwell in Central Asia.