Ch'ih Dragon Awl

Tags: jades | National Palace Museum | Warring States Period

 

Warring States period (475-221 BC)
Length: 7.4 cm, width: 1.3 cm 
 
The "ch'ih" is a type of hornless dragon resembling a tiger. This piece, carved as the profile of a "ch'ih" dragon, its head turned back, has hints of russet red, giving it quite a unique coloration. The way in which the head connects with the trunk is typical of how this creature would be represented by jade craftsmen of the Warring States period.

Text: Yang Mei-li

 
Text and images are provided by National Palace Museum