East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A mold-made grey brick depicting a dragon and a figure with human and leonine attributes. The dragon is stretched out over much of the panel, its head twisted around over its back to regard the other figure, who seems to be chasing it. The dragon is the most auspicious symbol in Chinese artwork, acting as a symbol of change, strength, and goodness, and an emblem of the power of the Emperor. Size: 12.3" W x 6" H (31.2 cm x 15.2 cm)

Temple bricks from the Han period are quite rare, as the practice of building temples from the material was not widespread until the Song Dynasty. Chinese architects began to perfect the use of brick during the Han period, at roughly the same time as the Romans were also beginning to build with the material.

Provenance: private Ventura County, California, USA collection

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#129121

Small losses to edges especially on one side as shown, with wear on surface commensurate with age. Nice remaining form with fairly clear motifs.