Page 28 - Highlights of the Collection
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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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