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This object is a particularly inventive sculptural conception that departs from the elongated, wingless dragon of Chinese tradition—the tightly wound mythical beast coils back upon itself like a swan at rest. The sculptor probably derived the compact composition from the shape of the nephrite rock from which it was made, and cleverly incorporated the discoloration produced by weathering into the object’s design.

Neither photography nor gallery display can do justice to this tiny dragon, for it can only be appreciated by handling and seeing it on all sides. Nephrite—the Chinese word translated as “jade” means “beautiful stone”—is harder than steel and cannot be carved, but must be ground or drilled using a slurry of abrasive materials, such as fine grains of quartz or jade filings. The grinding process, which is relatively easy on planes, is extremely difficult on curved surfaces. Inferior polishing leaves many small, flat sections, all of which can be seen under unforgiving light, but the surface of this dragon is impeccable. This small work of art may have served as a paperweight and would have brought enjoyment to anyone who had the opportunity to hold it.

In 1971, R. Norris Shreve, chairman of the School of Engineering at Purdue University, and his wife, Irene, gave the Museum more than 350 items, mostly of jade. Their generous gifts formed the core of the IMA’s collection of later Chinese jades.

Ancient tradition ascribed nine virtues to jade: benevolence, wisdom, righteousness, proper conduct, purity, courage, refinement, tolerance, and gentleness.