From the Warring States era to the early Han
Dynasty (7th Century BC – 2nd Century BC),
China experienced its first high age in the
development of ancient jades. The scale and
quality of jade production reached an
unprecedented level, and as such, jade
connoisseurs all take pride in the precious
Warring States to Han Dynasty jades in their
collection.
This rare and exquisite jade pendant depicts
an ambiguous zoomorphic motif, most likely a
dragon. The flat ornament is carved and
pierced with a calligraphic dragon-like figure
whose body rises from the volutes which all
but resemble smoke. As the dragon’s billowing
body rises, it undulates and curls, asking us to
draw comparison between the dragon’s form
and the surrounding coils. Warring States jade
carvers made no mistake about the type of
coils they inserted, as these coils represent
the auspicious ram horns that would have
adorned the archetypal taotie motif that
dominated decoration from the Shang to the
Warring States period. Also typical of the
Warring States period decorative style is the
horror vacui, or fear of empty space,
that is enabled by the interlacing coils that
dominate the dragon’s form.
As the eminent art historian Michael Sullivan
stated, “[The] power to unite in one object the
most intricate refinement of detail with a
dynamic rhythm and boldness of silhouette
defines jade art at this time in early Chinese
history. The variations on the feline dragon
dramatically express this refinement and
combustible calligraphic style. The movement
and form of the serpent are limitless: they
may circle, change direction, intertwine,
dance, surprise, bite their tail, spring, or leap
yet never sleep.”
