WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY (CIRCA 1100-771 BC)

Details

AN UNUSUAL BRONZE CHARIOT FITTING
WESTERN ZHOU DYNASTY (CIRCA 1100-771 BC)
The flat, oblong top of the hollow fitting is flat-cast depicting two dragons with long up-turned snouts and abstract bodies that curve around to fill the space. The circular socket end is pierced with two holes on either side, with two small pins or brads piercing the walls near the edge. There is malachite encrustation allover the fitting.
4¼ in. (10.9 cm.) long, box

Provenance

Acquired in Hong Kong, 1995.
Sze Yuan Tang Collection, Hong Kong.

Exhibited

The Glorious Traditions of Chinese Bronzes, Singapore, 2000, no. 37.
Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 2002-2006.

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Lot Essay

This unusual fitting would have been a forward-facing cap on the central shaft between the two middle horses of a horse-drawn chariot, such as the one illustrated in a line drawing of a reconstructed chariot of Zhou dynasty date, illustrated in Kaogu, 1980:5, p. 454, fig. 14.

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