Rigid carved quartz bracelet ‘Dragon’, period Warring States

Bracelet carved from a single piece of translucent quartz, circular with a slightly oval cross-section. The outer surface is decorated with a continuous motif of stylised archaic dragons with scaled bodies, curled tails and large eyes, engraved with fine, curved, symmetrical incisions. The transparency of the quartz and its homogeneous tonality enhance the precision of the carving. The piece is evidence of a symbolic function, possibly ritual, typical of high craftsmanship. Warring Kingdoms (475-221 BC) or later. 

Inner diameter: 6 cm

Weight: 52.9 g