Dragon

Unidentified
After Muqi Chinese

Not on view

Dragons were believed to dwell in mysterious places—clouds, mists, watery subterranean caves—and painters used a repertoire of techniques to capture that sense of mystery. Here, the artist has painted the background with a dark ink wash. The slightly lighter dragon emerges from the primordial ooze. Lightest in tone are the beast’s arresting eyes, which accordingly jump forth from the image.

Dragon, Unidentified artist, 14th century, Hanging scroll; ink on silk, China

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