Description

Cover of Dragon Vase 962.124.A (Pale grey-green jade, semi-translucent; of almost perfectly homogenous stone, highly polished. Flattened vase with strong neck and broad shoulder from which sides taper rather sharply toward narrow base. Restrained effect of hooked C-form handle bars to either side of neck obliterated by dragon (antlered, fork-tailed & cloud-wrapped) climbing over 1 & cloud-supported flaming pearl at other. On both sides of otherwise plain polished body appear parts of ribbon-like drapes with cloud head forms in layered and edged low relief. Pyramidal cover topped by crested hydra with bifurcated tail coiling in openwork.