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| Dragons in the art of this period, from the 3rd to
6th centuries, do not differ much from those of the Han dynasty. Their bodies, however,
have become lighter and tails more graceful than the powerful, curling ones of the
previous period. The flowing tails follow the swift movement of the body. Head and mouth
appear to have become shorter, while the horns are set in form. The horns, emerging from
just above the eyes, bend back and then curl forwards at the end, giving the dragon a
light and springy feeling. Tongues are long and often stick out like a snake, while the
upper jaw is pointed. Scales are small and dense, revealing a distinct underbelly. The
legs, slender like those of a bird, are nonetheless powerful and have sharp claws. The
style of dragons in Southern Dynasties (317-589) art is bold yet light, while that of the
Northern Dynasties (386-581) has a more noble and flowing disposition. |
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