Bronze Coiled Dragon with Gold Inlay

Period: State of Wei (220–265), Three Kingdoms period (220–280)

Dimensions: overall height: 11.4 cm

This object is fashioned as a fierce coiled dragon (panlong) with bared teeth and claws. The mythical creature is manifestly full of vigor while containing a powerful impetus to strike if provoked. Apart from the effective portrayal of the dragon’s dynamism, the work has a variety of creative and decorative features.

Departing from a single-viewpoint frontal compositional approach, the piece has a three-dimensional form that provides viewers with the ability to appreciate it from various angles while establishing multiple vivid and connected yet independent scenes. The dragon’s head is rendered in typical fashion even as the body undulates upon thick, sturdy legs. With clearly defined angular features, the creature has a strong, flexible tail and sharp claws—features that combine in a tremendously expressive form.

As an ornamental object, the dragon was produced by means of a broad range of technical crafts. The first noteworthy artistic feature is the outstanding exaggeration of the round eyes, gaping mouth, and the hook-like claws that emphasize the primary traits of the imagined form. Secondly, the entire dragon is accented with designs in exquisite gold inlay that complement the bronze form and create lifelike qualities in brilliant coloration. These embellishments are not merely for aesthetic value but are, meanwhile, a crucial manner by which the coiled dragon was shaped. The work may be considered a fine example of the zenith of decorative art production in the Wei (220–265) and Jin (265–420) periods.