Jocelyn Chatterton
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Dragon
The Dragon - the Chinese imperial symbol of rule and authority - was rarely seen. It chose to hide in mountainous caves, in the depths of the seas or to reside in the firmament. The dragon could change its size and shape at will. Any sighting therefore was rare but most auspicious because it indicated that all was favourable with the Emperor and that he was looking after his subjects well.
The dragon was central to many Chinese designs. It was associated with the imperial attributes of power, authority, strength, wisdom and divine protection. Not only did the Emperors regard themselves as actually being descended from dragons but also everything around them was referred to as emanating from the dragon. Hence the dragon throne (the dynasty), the dragon seat (the actual throne) and the dragon robe (the festive robe).
The most important Chinese dragon was the 5-clawed lung dragon and being the imperial emblem it was much more important than the lowlier 4-clawed mang dragon. It was also the bringer of rain and therefore connected to the land and the well-being of the Emperor's subjects. The dragon also represented the East and this linked it to the sunrise at the start of each day.
Dragons are often seen above turbulent waves chasing the flaming pearl. The meaning of the flaming pearl is still much discussed by scholars. It is argued that the pearl represents the search for wisdom, others say it is the search for immortality whilst others say the pearl represents the moon. It is interesting to note that sometimes the dragon has actually caught the flaming pearl and clasps it firmly in its grasp. More usually a single dragon or a pair are depicted as forever chasing an elusive pearl. As well as being a decorative symbol and giving protection , the dragon, together with such constituents as heaven, warmth, sunlight and strength, signifies the male Yang of Chinese Cosmology.
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