Bottle ID: 691

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PEBBLE WITH SCALY DRAGON

Date: 1750-1800

Height: 55 mm

Nephrite, very well hollowed, of natural pebble form, the white stone covered with brown skin and carved in low relief with a dragon emerging from clouds.

Similar Examples:

Hall, Robert. Chinese Snuff Bottles IV, p. 27, no. 26.

Provenance:

Asian Art Studio
Private Collection of Michael Chu
Asian Art Studio
Polly Latham Antiques, MA

The dragon is one of the most important mythical beings in Asian culture. It was seen as a connection between heaven and earth because it moved freely between the two. As such it was symbolic of the Emperor who was cast in the role of the son of heaven. From pre-historic times to the present day it is a potent symbol, even in modern China. Draogns have been prortayed in Chinese art from the Warring States period onwards and can be found both in pictorial and abract form on bronze vessels.

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