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

A total of six hat ornaments of gold inlaid with jade or gemstones were unearthed from the tomb of Prince Zhuang. Two of the ornaments, topped with jade dragons, were identified as especially precious relics which previously belonged to the royal family of the Yuan dynasty.

The hat ornament is composed of a circular gold base that flares out in the shape of a flower and a decorative dragon openwork pattern of white jade. The gold base is shaped like an eight-petaled lotus and set with gems, of which seven remain. There are two open-mouth tubes riveted to a lotus leaf at the rear of the base, allowing them to swing freely.

A single multi-layered piece of openwork jade sits on the base, depicting a dragon with a flowing mane rising out of four peony flowers. The shimmering white jade has a soft and clean texture, which is offset by the inlaid gems on the base, enhancing the magnificence of the piece.