Move over, Game of Thrones—China’s mythical loong (dragon) just dropped a 4,000-year-old flex! 🐉 A stunning ceramic plate, discovered in 1980 at the Taosi archaeological site in Shanxi Province, has been confirmed as the earliest known pottery featuring the iconic loong design. Talk about a blast from the past!
The black-and-red plate, part of the Longshan Culture (2500–1900 BCE), measures 40.7 cm in diameter and showcases a coiled loong with serpentine curves, bold scales, and a tongue shaped like a rice ear 🌾. Archaeologists say this masterpiece reflects ancient beliefs in the loong as a symbol of power, rain, and prosperity—basically the OG emoji of good vibes!
🔍 Fun fact: The loong’s compact head and intricate details were painted in vermilion, proving that even Neolithic artisans had serious #aesthetic goals. This discovery isn’t just pottery—it’s a cultural time capsule connecting today’s emoji-loving Gen Z to China’s mythic roots. Who knew history could be this cool? 💫
