Plaque with winged carp-dragon
Date13th-14th century
Label TextThe Chinese civil service examinations were very difficult to pass—those who did gained an official position in government and prestige for generations. An ordinary carp leaping over Dragon Gate to transform into a fantastic dragon was a popular motif symbolizing success in getting through the hellish process.
Object number33.1274
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Live Long and Prosper: Auspicious Motifs in East Asian Art, May 23, 2009 - Feb. 21, 2010.
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.Credit LineEugene Fuller Memorial Collection
Dimensions2 5/8 x 3 3/8 x 1/2 in. (6.67 x 8.57 x 1.27 cm)
MediumNephrite
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