This jade artifact, most likely from the pre-dynastic Hongshan culture (4700 to 2900 bce) in northeastern China, features a stylized pig dragon. Like pei or amulets, this sculpture features typical ox nosed drilled hole on the back. Hongshan sites have been found in an area stretching from Inner Mongolia to Liaoning. In early Chinese art, animal motifs are generally either naturalistic or highly stylized – but in both cases, the artist always appears to have developed a close intimacy with the animals. Although we do not know the exact meaning of animal motifs, the context of similar finds suggests that these creatures were part of the religious or shamanic system. This rare sculpture is 4-1/8 inches tall, 3 inches wide, and 1-1/8 inches deep.

The nephrite exhibits surface alteration and patina from age. From a private collection, this bi is clean, however will be sold without further restoration (as is).