Hongshan Culture (7500–2900 BCE) Calcified “Chicken-Bone White” Jade C-Shaped Zhulong, or “Pig-Dragon”

拍品描述

Dimensions: H. 10.7 cm (approx. 4.21 in / 0.35 ft); W. 8 cm (approx. 3.15 in / 0.26 ft); weight 294 g (approx. 10.37 oz); approximately 75th–29th century BCE，Condition & Provenance: Overall intact condition. The highly calcified “chicken-bone white” jade displays a creamy ivory-white surface with extensive interconnected weathering lines, ochre-brown staining, and scattered gray-brown to dark mineral deposits. The large central perforation, smaller suspension hole, and incised facial details remain clearly defined, with darker old accretions visible inside the recessed areas and perforations. The surface retains a softly polished character with expected burial-related weathering and staining. Provenance: Private Collection, Illinois, USA.Description: This substantial Hongshan Culture zhulong, commonly known as a “pig-dragon,” is carved in the round from a single piece of highly calcified “chicken-bone white” jade. The surface has developed a warm ivory-white appearance covered by a dense network of fine weathering lines, irregular ochre-brown staining, and scattered darker mineral accretions that extend across the body and into the recessed areas. The carving is organized around the classic C-shaped profile associated with the zhulong form. Its lower body is exceptionally full and rounded, rising in a continuous curve toward the head and creating a compact, weighty silhouette. Rather than relying on extensive surface decoration, the sculptor emphasized broad, smoothly rounded planes and the physical volume of the stone, giving the piece a powerful sculptural presence. The head occupies the upper portion of the composition. Its projecting muzzle is separated from the lower body by a pronounced open notch that connects visually with the large central aperture and defines the unmistakable C-shaped outline. The face is articulated with restrained incised work: a large circular eye is enclosed by sweeping curved lines, while several parallel strokes extend toward the muzzle to suggest the structure of the snout and facial features. Darker deposits preserved within these incisions provide a strong visual contrast against the pale calcified surface. A large circular perforation passes completely through the center of the body. Its substantial walls emphasize the thickness and mass of the carving, while darker accretions remain visible within the interior. A second, much smaller suspension perforation is positioned near the upper back, establishing a deliberate relationship between the monumental central opening and the functional suspension hole. Viewed from the side, the piece reveals considerable depth, with the head, spine, and rounded lower body modeled as continuous swelling volumes rather than flat planes. The entire object has been repeatedly ground and polished, producing softly transitioning surfaces and a subdued luster. At 10.7 cm high and weighing 294 grams, this example has a notably substantial presence for a portable jade carving. The bold C-shaped silhouette, oversized central aperture, projecting muzzle, restrained facial incision, and heavy rounded body create an immediately recognizable composition. Zhulong carvings are among the most distinctive forms associated with Hongshan jade traditions, combining an abstract curled animal body with a highly simplified head and suspension system. In this piece, the relationship between solid mass and open space is particularly effective: the broad body surrounds the central void while the open mouth interrupts the contour, producing a compact yet dynamic sculptural design. Its calcified white surface, extensive weathering pattern, earthy staining, and dark deposits within the perforations further contribute to the object's strongly archaic visual character.

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