<em>Architectural Element in the Shape of a Dragon</em>, 19th century. Wood, pigment, 42 1/2 × 12 5/8 × 8 11/16 in. (108 × 32 × 22 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Carroll Family Collection, 2021.17.8 (Photo: Image courtesy of The Honorable Joseph P. Carroll and Professor Roberta L. Carroll, M.D., CUR.TL2020.25.14_front.jpg)

Architectural Element in the Shape of a Dragon

Medium: Wood, pigment

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:19th century

Dimensions: 42 1/2 × 12 5/8 × 8 11/16 in. (108 × 32 × 22 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 2021.17.8

Image: CUR.TL2020.25.14_front.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Carved wood architectural embellishment, likely created to hang from the ceiling or inner eaves of a Buddhist temple. A dragon coiled into an exaggerated S form, designed to be seen from below so its stomach faces the viewer. The dragon is carved in the round with stylized clouds obscuring some of the lower half of its body. Two pointed sticks run along the length of the dragon's back and would have served as the attachment point for the ornament. The entire carving is painted in faded red pigment and may have been gilded.

Brooklyn Museum