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Sword Guard in the Form of Confronted Dragons

14th–early 15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
Timurid royalty admired the qualities of nephrite (jade). The carved pieces that survive from the period include engraved rings and at least two dragon-handled white jade jugs. Also, at least two jade dragon-headed sword guards are known, including this example, created from the finest and rarest type of nephrite—black jade. Known for its hardness, jade is extremely difficult to carve, underscoring the exceptional quality of this highly detailed carving of confronted dragon heads with protruding tongues.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sword Guard in the Form of Confronted Dragons
  • Period: Timurid period (1370–1507)
  • Date: 14th–early 15th century
  • Culture: Central Asia
  • Medium: Nephrite; carved
  • Dimensions: H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); D. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm)
  • Classification: Jade
  • Credit Line: Gift of Heber R. Bishop, 1902
  • Object Number: 02.18.765
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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