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period, from the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD, was when the appearance of the
dragon became standardized. The features of Han dynasty (206 BC-220AD) dragons often
include a semi-crouched position suggesting movement as the dragon looks up and appears to
fly and dance about. In a grand manner, it possesses an impressive and energetic feeling.
Structurally speaking, its head is proportionately large with a long mouth similar to that
of a horse. The upper jaw is extended to become a curling, fleshy snout. The corner of the
mouth goes back to the ear area, making the large mouth, sharp teeth, and snake-like
tongue stand out. Han dragons have either long, sharp horns or short ones like those of
sheep. Whiskers appear now, but they are few and short. The neck and body are slender, but
more defined than those of a snake, while the tail is similar to that of tiger and
oscillates along with the body in an energetic motion. Legs are powerful and the claws,
usually numbering three and similar to those of a bird, are sharp. Generally speaking,
armor-like scales appear, but not over the entire body (such as the legs). |
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