Plaque with hybrid bird-dragon creature

Historical period(s)
Spring and Autumn period, Eastern Zhou dynasty, 8th-5th century BCE
Medium
Gold foil
Dimensions
H x W: 8.9 x 13 cm (3 1/2 x 5 1/8 in)
Geography
China, Xinzheng or Henan province
Credit Line
Gift of The Honorable and Mrs. Hugh Scott
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1980.101
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament, Metalwork
Type

Plaque

Keywords
bird, China, dragon, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770 - 221 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The single curving body of this hybrid creature supports both a phoenix head and a dragon head (now missing its horn). The plaque's use is unclear. Originally attached to a backing, probably made of bronze, it may have served as an architectural decoration. During the Eastern Zhou dynasty, gold was so highly valued that anyone caught trying to obtain it without state permission could be executed.

Published References
  • Jenny F. So. Eastern Zhou Ritual Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections. Ancient Chinese Bronzes from the Arthur M. Sackler Collections, vol. 3 New York, 1995. p. 24, fig. 18.
  • Thomas Lawton. Chinese Art of the Warring States Period: Change and Continuity, 480-222 B.C. Washington, 1982-1983. cat. 22, p. 61.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use