The National Museum of China is celebrating the Year of the Dragon with an exhibition of its dragon-related artifacts in Beijing.
The most striking exhibit is a jade dragon from the Neolithic Hongshan culture, which dates back to 5,000-6,000 years ago. Unearthed in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China, it is among the earliest representations of a dragon discovered in China.
Exhibits on display range from the Neolithic Age to the early 20th century and are made from materials including bronze, jade, porcelain, gold, silver and lacquerware. The exhibition shows how the development of the dragon image has evolved from abstract and simple forms to more intricate forms reflecting complex spirituality. Dragons were a symbol of the monarch in ancient China and are still seen as auspicious bringers of rain, good luck and prosperity.
(Text and photos by Wei Yao)
