HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)

Weights of this type, made during the Warring States period and Han dynasty, appear to have been used to hold down the corners of woven mats used for seating or for the board game liubo. They were usually cast from precious bronze to convey the high status of the owner, and made in the shape of animals, often coiled to form a circle, or in the shape of human figures, and even mountains.