A Dragon in the Palm

This is a Yuan or early Ming Dynasty (14th-15th century) hat ornament (maoding). Though merely 3.9 cm tall, it represents the peak of imperial goldsmithing and jade carving.

The piece has two parts. The base is a gold pedestal shaped like lotus petals, inlaid with seven precious gemstones. Set atop it is the masterpiece: a white nephrite jade openwork carving. Using the “loucong” technique, artisans created a dragon soaring through clouds, masterfully nested in its golden setting via the “bowl setting” method.

Originally, this knob adorned a nobleman’s formal hat, blatantly displaying status. When fashion changed, these exquisite objects were often repurposed. Many, like this one, were transformed into incense burner knobs (luding), becoming prized ornaments on the desks of scholars—a testament to their enduring beauty.

For modern viewers, it is a marvel of miniature sculpture. Crafted with precision before modern tools, it embodies the Chinese artistic principle of concentrating a universe of meaning into a tiny form—where symbols of power, purity, and enlightenment coexist in the palm of one’s hand.