Description
This stone dragon pendant combines an expressive animal head with a pierced, shield-like body and a long pointed tip. Its unusual silhouette recalls certain Chinese she-shaped ornaments, offering an intriguing comparison for collectors interested in sculptural pendants and archaistic designs.
The animal’s profile features an elongated incised eye, an upturned snout and a curled projection behind the head. Below the narrow neck, the body broadens before tapering towards the lower point. Three openings punctuate the carving: a small hole near the head, a large circular opening through the centre and a smaller opening below it.
The dark grey stone is densely mottled with lighter grey markings. These variations give the surface visual depth, while the polished contours emphasise the contrast between the solid body and its circular openings. Measuring 12.1 cm in height, the piece has a distinctive presence as a small sculptural object.
The comparison with Chinese she ornaments
Chinese shexingpei developed from the she, an accessory originally associated with archery. These pendant forms became ornaments, and some examples combine pierced bodies with animal motifs and pointed extensions. Such features provide a useful stylistic comparison with this piece. Comparative reference: Henan Museum.
The comparison does not establish a Chinese origin or an ancient date for this particular pendant. Its geographical origin and period of manufacture remain undetermined, and the precise mineral composition of the stone has not been identified.
An appealing piece for a collection of zoomorphic carvings, sculptural ornaments or objects reflecting the visual language of Chinese archaistic art.
Details
Material: carved and polished stone.
Design: stylised animal head suggesting a dragon.
Height: 12.1 cm.
Width: 6.7 cm.
Thickness: 0.9 cm.
Weight: 76 g.
Colour: dark grey with lighter grey mottling.
Origin and date: undetermined.
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