Late 17th century

Dragon among Clouds

In China, dragons are composite creatures. They have the heads of oxen crowned with deer horns, and long bodies covered with fish scales. They are considered rainmakers, and through their breath can form clouds in which to conceal themselves. The dragon shown here is largely obscured by clouds and playing with a pearl. Pearls are believed to be the symbol of thunder, which causes rain to fall. Electrical currents (lightening) are said to flow through a dragon's feet.