CHASING THE PEARL
Coyly coiled within their heavenly sphere,
two dragons twist and twine,
their lithe and luminous bodies flowing like liquid metal.
Their mood is playful and gentle as they cavort in the clouds of a kingdom at peace,
their fearsome protections at rest for a time,
quelling their ancient power.
Clasping their iridescent riches,
the dragons softly vie for the final prize.
The framing foliage tells of harmony and tranquillity,
a pairing for eternity.
Chasing The Pearl was inspired by the dragon; the oldest and most meaningful of all animals represented in Chinese art. The Chinese dragon is a revered and auspicious creature, distinct from its malevolent Western counterparts. While traditionally portrayed front-facing as a symbol of imperial prowess, it is often depicted in side profile to display its benevolent side, symbolising the protection great power wields. One of the most prominent categories of Chinese dragon painting is ‘chasing the pearl’, depicting a dragon or pair of dragons in playful pursuit of a glistening pearl. The pearl symbolises spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, and the moon, while round shapes were associated with heaven.
The corners of the design feature a combination of pine, bamboo, and spring-flowering prunus; a common Song era pairing. Stylised clouds represent a kingdom at peace, and bows represent divine nature. A jade carving of a dragon chasing a pearl features in the lower right corner of the design; Jade is considered the ‘stone of heaven’, a bridge between spiritual worlds. Strategically placed cinnabar seals identify the artist and the provenance of the work while balancing the composition. Sabina Savage is noted in a traditional, calligraphy-style brush script.
Click the button below to discover Sabina's detailed research text for this illustration, offering a breakdown of each specific reference and wider symbolism within the design.
