Jade dragon pendant, Warring States Period (475-221 BC), Collection of the Shanghai Museum.

During the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), people adorned themselves with jade pendants hung at the waist. Here is a jade dragon pendant, part of a group of pendants. The W-shaped dragon has a horse-like head, a snake-like body and grain-like scales. Its coiled tail is also the head of a phoenix.

The dragon pendant provides a glimpse of the luxurious adornments and elegant lifestyle of China's ancient upper class. It is in the permanent collection of the Shanghai Museum.