Xuzhou Museum (I)
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn/Xuzhou Museum, January 10, 2023
Name：Golden Belt Buckle
Time：【Western Han dynasty】
Size：Length：13.3cm Width：6 cm
Source：Excavated at Shizishan in 1994-1995
This pair of belt plagues were excavated from the west wing of the antechamber of the tomb. An inscription is carved on the edge of each plaque to state its weight. On the back, 2 vertical loops are attached to each plaque, used to fix them onto a belt.
The plaque are cast in relief and designed as mirror images of each other. The two horse-like animals in each plaque face towards each other, and in each image a wolf and a bear bite into the upper back and the tail of the horse. All 3 animals are depicted with large round eyes, heightening the drama of the scene. The horse-like animals are delineated with vigorous bodies as if they are forcefully struggling away from their attackers. Fine incised lines represent the animals' hair, making this piece particularly exquisite. Any remaining space is filled in with a decorative pattern of birds' heads, a common Han dynasty convention.
The animal theme of the design and the rectangle shape suggest the influence of nomadic tribes beyond the Han's northern borders. However, the method of fastening suggests that this pair was likely to have been made locally rather than imported.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)