Finial in the shape of a dragon head

1st century BCE–2nd century CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 207

The dragon in China is an auspicious emblem of nature’s creative forces and is often visualized in art 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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

漢　鎏金銅龍頭飾
Title: Finial in the shape of a dragon head
Period: Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
Date: 1st century BCE–2nd century CE
Culture: China
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
Object Number: 1992.165.25
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Buddha Maitreya (Mile), Gilt bronze with traces of pigment; piece-mold cast, China — Buddha Maitreya (Mile)
China
dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)

Ewer with Elephant-Headed Spout, Bronze, Vietnam — Ewer with Elephant-Headed Spout
Vietnam
late 2nd–3rd century

Ladle with handle in the shape of a dragon's head, Gilt bronze, China — Ladle with handle in the shape of a dragon's head
China
3rd century

Seated Buddha, Bronze with traces of gold leaf, Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara) — Seated Buddha
Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara)
1st to mid-2nd century

Ornamental Plaque, Gilt bronze, gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and white coral, China — Ornamental Plaque
China
4th–5th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.