3
JADE C-PIG DRAGON
HONGSHAN CULTURE 3500 - 2500 BC Diameter: 4.25 inches (11.3 cm) This jade piece is apparently unique. It is a transition piece, carved in mottled green and white jade, showing the evolution of the classic form of the original Pig Dragon with thick body, large round eyes and large ears, to the ultimate C-Dragon with a graceful, C-shaped body, elongated head, slanted eyes and a mane or crest, as seen in Item 4 and the top part of Item 5. This piece continues to have the Pig Dragon head, but now has the graceful, thin, C-shaped body of the C-Dragon. As of this date, no other carving of this type has been located. It is historically important and extremely rare.
24
