Gold Hat Ornament with Inlaid Gems and Openwork White Jade Cloud and Dragon Motif

This hat ornament was also originally possessed by the Yuan royal family. It is set with seven gemstones and capped with a white jade crest. There is no tail ornament on the back. The top is a rounded cube, with multiple layers, carved to form a single jade dragon and three cloud patterns. The head of a dragon protrudes above the clouds as it looks skyward with open mouth and staring eyes. The dragon's claws are powerfully contorted, as if it is gathering its strength to take flight.