White Jade She-Shaped Pendant with Chi Dragons and Phoenixes, Han Dynasty

Length: 6.75 cm; width: 5.1 cm.

This she-shaped pendant, also known as a “chicken-heart” pendant, is carved from finely textured white jade with alteration across its lustrous surface. The flattened form is worked on both faces in relief and openwork.

The central animal mask has slightly projecting square eyes, dense brows curling upwards at the corners, full nostrils and a raised forehead. The facial hair is rendered with fine detail. Around it, openwork chi dragons and phoenixes form a lively decorative border.

The dragons have broad foreheads, projecting muzzles and prominent, teardrop-shaped eyes. Forked horns turn backwards, with one branch joining the body. Curving torsos, vigorous limbs and flowing tails combine strength with elegance. The phoenixes have pointed beaks, teardrop-shaped eyes and raised head feathers; their supple outlines carry the movement of the composition.

The flat profile makes the pendant suitable for wearing close to the body. The she-shaped pendant developed from earlier archery-related forms and became an elaborate ornamental type. By the Han period, openwork and relief designs offered carvers an extensive field for inventive compositions.

Here, fine incised lines and exceptionally slender strokes articulate the details without interrupting the larger rhythm of the design. The combination of open spaces, relief surfaces and fluid outlines conveys both delicacy and visual force. The museum catalogues the piece as Han dynasty.