A small-scale eagle sculpture, cherished by the elite members of the Hongshan Culture. The jade is white with brown and black splotches. The bird’s head tilts upwards, shallow and pointed, with a slightly lowered stance and vague eyes. Its abdomen is barely visible, with inwardly flexed feet. The tail fans out slightly, and the bottom is neatly cut on both sides of the flat tail’s shoulder. A powerful aura emanates from this heraldic, symmetrical, and defiant stillness. The raptor’s stealth in hunting prey is depicted through this poised stance. Though small, the sculpture is well-balanced, simple, and elegant, exuding a unique presence. A comparable example is housed in the Aurora Art Museum.
