Pendant in the form of a man flanked by a pair of dragons

China

480–221 BCE

Pale green translucent jade

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A pale green jade pendant carved in relief with a central human-like figure flanked by two stylized dragons. The carving features intricate scrollwork and openwork details. Two stylized dragons are symmetrically arranged at either end of the pendant, flanking a humanoid face with a serpentine body. This figure represents a spiritual deity, with the dragons serving as guardian figures. This was a very common design at the time for jade pendants, which were worn as jewelry that served as talismans to protective the wearer from evil and danger. Gallery G215 Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury