A magnificent five-clawed dragon, from the chest roundel of a Qing dynasty Qianlong-Jiaqing (1735 - 1820) period blue summer gauze dragon robe, makes the transition from silk embroidery to three dimensional 24K gilt pewter in impressive fashion. Stylised motifs of waves, rocks and clouds decorate the base of crimson composite resin.

Folk tales recount the oriental zodiac’s origins with the story of the Great Race, called by the deity the Jade Emperor to assign each year in the 12-year cycle an animal in the order they reached him by crossing a river. First past the post was the Rat, then the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

Includes a H4cm x 12cm landscape orientation engraving plate for personalisation.

About the collection
The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the Year of the Dragon (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) are said to be courageous, intelligent and benevolent.