This Zhulong(Pig-Dragon)is too large for a pendant(H:12.5cm) and would have been used as a symbol of authority.When we recalled that the Hongshan Culture is 5000 years old and Jade(Nephrite) cannot even be scratched by a stainless steel knife,we are amazed, how and why something like this was produced.

Here,will digress and explain how any culture is analysed. Three levels.

01..Firstly,PRODUCTION how they survived;hunting,agriculture etc.

02.Secondly,SOCIAL segregation into class eg.hunters,slaves, warriors,nobles,shaman etc.

03.Lastly,BELIEFS what spiritual or superstitions do they have. This Jade Zhulong belongs to this level,because it is completely useless, production wise but so much expenditure of time and resources are taken away from production to create it.At least a Harley Davidson is considered an industrial design product because the Harley can be used in transportation.

The main reason this particular Zhulong was added to the collection, is to show the manganese diaoxide dendrites(trees) on the Jade, as shown in the close up image. Another good indication of antiquity.

Visit the website of the Friends of Jade for a more extensive knowledge on Jade.