Artwork preview

Finial in the shape of a dragon head

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Golden sculpture of a dragon head with mouth open and teeth showing. The sculpture is in the shape of a dragon's head and neck; the body is not depicted. The dragon's mouth is open, showing several teeth. The dragon has a scale-like texture on its body. The sculpture appears to be made of metal, possibly bronze or brass, and has a golden color. The background is a gradient from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom. The sculpture casts a shadow on the surface below it.

Artwork details

Date:
1st century BCE–2nd century CE
Medium:
Gilt bronze with traces of red pigment
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette