The image of Loong
The image of Loong
Loong is a symbol of Asian tattoo, it’s a totem of ancient China. Loong is also mythical animal from Chinese ancient legends, it’s the master of wind and rain. It’s often used to symbolize auspiciousness.
Loong is also one of the most representative traditional image of the East Asian ethnic groups, like those of Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. In all Asian countries, Loong is founded on the inheritance of Chinese culture.
The earliest documented history of Loong dates 5 thousands years ago. In different historical periods, Loong has different images.
The image of Loong before the Han Dynasty ( 220 BC – 25 AD) was initially embodied, in various forms. The eyes, horns and mouth clearly vary, and scales and claws begin to appear.
Jade carving, Warring States Period, 403 BC – 221 BC, China
The Han Dynasty ( 220 BC – 25 AD) brought the innovation of the Loong image. Since that time, the image of Loong became more concrete, the body lines were floating and full of movement. the Loong claw came to have 3 toes.
Carving on tile, 202 BC – 8 AD, China
In the Sui Dynasty ( 581 AD – 619 AD), the image of Loong began to appear in the hierarchy of the upper social classes, the mouth and the horns of Loong became longer, the eyes more sharp, and Loong began to fly with the clouds or the fog.
Relief sculpture, Sui Dynasty 581 AD – 619 AD, China
By the Tang Dynasty ( 618 AD – 907 AD), the Loong neck became very thin, the spine and elbows have thorns, and the Loong body rested in a more vertical position, to reflect the the prosperity of society.
Gilt sculpture, Tang Dynasty 618 AD – 907 AD, China
Bronze sculpture,Tang Dynasty 618 AD – 907 AD, China
During the Song Dynasty ( 960 AD – 1279 AD), the Loong image was standardized, with horns like those of a deer, the head is like a camel, the body is sinuous like a snake, the scales like those of a fish, the claws like an eagle’s, the palm is like tiger’s, and the ear resembling that of a cow. Loong always travels in clouds and water, making it looks more mysterious.
Painting, Song Dynasty 960 AD – 1279 AD, China
Painting, Song Dynasty 960 AD – 1279 AD, China
The Loong image was continued in the Jin Dynasty ( 1125 AD – 1234 AD), it represented courage and force.
Pottery, Jin Dynasty 1115 AD – 1234 AD, China
During the Yuan Dynasty ( 1271 AD – 1368 AD), Loong became the symbol of the emperor. The Loong image began to be used by the royal family. Its number of claws on each foot corresponded to the level of power of each each level of the royal family.
Porcelain,Yuan Dynasty 1271 AD – 1369 AD, China
Porcelain,Yuan Dynasty 1271 AD – 1369 AD, China
In the Ming Dynasty ( 960 AD – 1279 AD), the Loong image became more ferocious and mighty. Most of them were decorated with flames, and shuttled between the sea and clouds, to show their power of domination.
Porcelain, Ming Dynasty 960 AD – 1279 AD, China
Porcelain, Ming Dynasty 960 AD – 1279 AD, China
Armillary sphere, Ming Dynasty 960 AD – 1279 AD, China
During the Qing Dynasty ( 1636 AD – 1912 AD),Loong looked very domineering, the head became more plump, the body became more muscular, the upper jaw became short,the shape of the eyebrows and beards like bamboo leaves, and most of the feet have 5 toes.
Relief sculpture, Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
Embroidery, Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
Embroidery, Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
Bronze sculpture, Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
The Qing Dynasty communicated a lot with Europe, some Loongs even had wings added, like the European dragon.
Painting, Qing Dynasty 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
The Minguo period ( 1912 AD – 1949 AD), was a turning point between the traditional and the modern. After the emperor’s abdication, the usefulness of Loong became more folk-like, mirroring the ways of the common folk rather than the nobility.
Painting, Minguo period 1636 AD – 1912 AD, China
The Modern period ( 1949 AD – Today), after Chinese economic reform, the culture of Loong became more popular all over the world, the image of Loong continues to evolve.
.Painting, 2018 AD, China
Painting, 2018 AD, China
Some say,Loong’s feet have 5 toes in China, 4 toes in Korea, 3 toes in Japan. In fact, Loong’s feet not only have 5 toes in China, but also 4 toes and 3 toes there.
This is because the number of toes has a very strong political meaning in Chinese history. Since the Yuan Dynasty, 5 toes were only used for the royal family, 4 toes and 3 toes were used for other Asian countries and common people.
Today, the spirit of Loong is always reflected in the daily life of China, including the spirit of struggle and winning, and the spirit of peace and harmony.
Editor: Xiang