Plaque with dragon on top of bird of prey in white jade. - Cf. similar bird illustrated in Rawson, Jessica Chinese Jade, fig. 4, p 207, 1995
- Rawson describes these constructions as "composite creatures...derived from neolithic jades".
- The delight in decoration has taken precedence over realism - this is one square bird.
- When decoding a Shang animal, always find the eye first. The rest will often fall into place.
- The toothed ridge on the bird's breast is a common element in Shang carving ; since there is no room on the back, perhaps it gravitated to the front?
- Calcification and light suffusion as well as pitting appear on the surface. This piece has been expertly prepared.
- 5.6 x 8.9 x .63 cm
   |
|
