Attributed to Zhou Xun, Chinese
Geography:
Made in China, Asia
Date:
Late 17th century
Medium:
Ink on silk; mounted as a hanging scroll
Dimensions:
7 feet 3 3/16 inches × 44 1/8 inches (221.5 × 112 cm) Mount: 9 feet 5 3/4 inches × 50 13/16 inches (289 × 129 cm)
Curatorial Department:
East Asian Art
Object Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:
1929-40-244
Credit Line:
Purchased with funds contributed by Edward B. Robinette from the Simkhovitch Collection, 1929
Label:
In China, dragons are composite creatures. They have the heads of oxen crowned with deer horns, and long bodies covered with fish scales. They are considered rainmakers, and through their breath can form clouds in which to conceal themselves. The dragon shown here is largely obscured by clouds and playing with a pearl. Pearls are believed to be the symbol of thunder, which causes rain to fall. Electrical currents (lightening) are said to flow through a dragon's feet.