Bidspirit auction | Hongshan Culture, Jade Dragon

Hongshan Culture, Jade Dragon - This jade dragon is carved from a single piece of jade in a characteristic C-shaped coiled form. The dragon head is prominently rendered with a forward-extending snout and lozenge-shaped eyes incised in intaglio, projecting a solemn and majestic presence. The body is left undecorated with flowing, rounded lines. A perforation drilled from both sides is visible on the back, exhibiting the classic hourglass-shaped bore typical of the solid-drill (ting) technique of Hongshan culture. The stone is warm and fine-grained, of creamy-white tone with areas altered to yellowish-brown, showing fine traces of natural infiltration and bearing a rich, mellow patina. The archaic and robust form, abstract and simplified in design, conveys an imposing dignity through minimalism, fully demonstrating the unique totemic worship and masterful jade-carving craftsmanship of the Hongshan culture. The piece is accompanied by a finely carved tixi lacquer box decorated with ruyi cloud patterns on the cover and continuous motifs along the sides, with thick, lustrous lacquer layers attesting to exquisite craftsmanship. It is further housed in a brocade pouch and a Japanese paulownia wood box, reflecting its distinguished provenance and careful preservation.