Western Han Dynasty jade pendant reflects a pursuit of beautiful things

The dragon and phoenix are auspicious motifs in traditional Chinese culture. Take a look at the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) jade pendant, boasting an openwork carving design! The flat and round pendant features a dragon coiled in the inner ring, while a phoenix faces the dragon and stands on its front claw in the outer ring. Surrounding them are curling cloud patterns.

With exquisite patterns, quaint structure and superb craftsmanship, the pendant reflects ancient people’s pursuit of beautiful things. Unearthed from the mausoleum of the Nanyue King in 1983, the pendant might be cherished by the king during his lifetime. Now, it is in the permanent collection of the Museum of the Western Han Dynasty Mausoleum of the Nanyue King in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province.