Bronze dragon, Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), Collection of The Capital Museum.

This bronze dragon is solid cast in a seated position, with a pig-like snout holding a pearl. Having a single horn, wings on its shoulders, feet with five claws, and two upward coiling tails, the dragon exudes majesty and power.

Unearthed from the site of the main hall of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) Zhongdu Capital’s palace in Beijing’s Xicheng district, this dragon is believed to be a decorative piece of the palace pillar. It serves as a precious testament to Beijing’s more than 870 years of history as the capital.