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 There once was a king with magical powers who ruled the kingdom of Kuqa, near the western border of China. In those days, the markets were rich in gold, silver and precious gems. But one night, a mischievous dragon turned these treasures to charcoal, and the wealth of the kingdom was lost. So the king struck back. He took up his sword, tracked down the dragon and leaped on its back. Furious, the dragon belched fire like lightning, then soared to the sky. The king remained calm. "If you don't surrender," he quietly told the dragon, "I'll cut off your head." "Please don't kill me!" the dragon cried. "I'll take you wherever you want to go!" And from that time on, the king traveled by dragon instead of by horse, flying swiftly all over the realm.
—based on a story from the Silk Road, recorded by Chinese scholar Li Fang (AD 925-996)
Cultural Exchange
The Chinese dragon is a powerful force, and its influence has spread well beyond China's borders. When the empire was flourishing, Chinese rulers often sent richly embroidered dragon robes to neighboring kingdoms as a gesture of good will and diplomacy. These garments radiated so much power, they were sometimes venerated—and often imitated. In some areas, people made ceremonial clothing that echoed the imperial robes, adapting the dragon to local traditions.
So They Say
"Last year you bestowed on me a mang [four-clawed dragon] robe. I placed it on the sleeping couch, and morning and evening I raised my hands and worshipped it. But I was afraid, and did not dare to wear it. Now I am preparing to venerate the former kings, and I am about to wear it in order to honor my ancestors."
—From a letter sent by King Sonjo of Korea to Chinese emperor Wanli, 1588
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