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Dragon
Northern China, 450-250 BCE
H. 48.5 × L. 67 cm, bronze
Its exceptional size makes this winged dragon an
almost unique example of a monumental animal
sculpture from the pre-imperial Chinese period. Its
exact function is not known but this bronze work
probably served as a decoration. In China, the dragon
is seen as an auspicious mythical animal, depicted
as a hybrid being. In this case, it combines the Highlights of the Collection
hindquarters of a cat with the bust of an alligator.
The claws and wings are reminiscent of a bird of prey,
while the head sports antlers.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
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