Vessel with Dragon Head

CHINA; Tang dynasty

Although this ritual vessel was presented to the Japanese imperial court by Horyuji Temple in Japan, it was created in China in the 8th century during the Tang dynasty. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1964.
The ovoid body measures 18.5 cm in diameter at its widest point and stands on a circular base with a diameter of 10.3 cm. The parts of the vessel were forged separately and then welded together. An embossed ring appears where the neck and body meet, and also towards the bottom. The vessel tapers into the tall neck, which curves outward at the top to form the mouth. The lip and lid are in the form of a dragon’s head, and the lid opens by pressing down on the dragon’s horn. The dragon’s eyes are embedded with green jade, and the handle represents the dragon’s body. Four winged horses are engraved on the middle of the vessel.