A SMALL GILT BRONZE ‘DRAGON FISH’ ORNAMENT, TANG-LIAO DYNASTY

拍品描述

A SMALL GILT BRONZE ‘DRAGON FISH’ ORNAMENT, TANG-LIAO DYNASTY China, 8th–11th century. Finely cast as the vigorously leaping mythical dragon fish, its body dramatically arched, with broad outstretched fins and a forked tailfin. The raised head is modeled with a gaping mouth, prominent eyes beneath heavy brows, and a prominent dragon’s horn, while the body is densely detailed with overlapping scales and finely incised fin rays. The surface with extensive remains of gilding. Dimensions: Height 3 cm Expert’s note: The horned fish in Chinese art is generally understood in the context of the yulong, or ‘fish-dragon’, representing the moment of transformation from fish into dragon. The imagery derives from the ancient legend of carp that overcome the powerful currents of the Yellow River and leap the Dragon Gate (Longmen), whereupon they transform into dragons. The motif consequently became a potent symbol of perseverance, transformation, advancement, and success, particularly associated with passing the imperial examinations and attaining official rank. Hybrid creatures such as the present example deliberately capture the transformation in progress: the body, scales, fins, and tail remain those of a fish, while the prominent horn and increasingly dragon-like head signal its emerging higher state. Literature comparison: Compare a related gilt bronze attachment with fish, dated 8th-11th century, 9 cm long, in the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, accession number S2012.9.1853.

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