Warring States Period (5th–3rd Century BCE) Gilt Bronze Belt Hook with Inlaid Turquoise and Agate, Designed as a Child Riding an Elephant

拍品描述

Dimensions and Weight: L. 17 cm (6.69 in), H. 10 cm (3.94 in); Weight: 510 g (1.12 lb); Warring States Period，Condition and Provenance: The bronze body is well preserved with naturally developed green and reddish-brown patina across the surface. The gold and silver inlay, turquoise, and agate decorations remain clearly visible, showing the craftsmanship and age characteristics of an ancient ceremonial object. Provenance: Private Collection, California, USA; acquired from a family collection with over 50 years of ownership history.Auction Description: This exceptional Warring States bronze belt hook represents the highest level of ancient Chinese metalworking, combining sculptural design with luxurious decorative techniques. Created in the form of an elephant, the piece features a finely modeled elephant head forming the hook and a high-relief group of two embracing children seated on the elephant’s back. The combination of gold inlay, silver inlay, turquoise, and gemstone decoration demonstrates the sophisticated artistry reserved for elite objects of the Warring States period.Description: This bronze belt hook is designed in the form of an elephant, with the hook shaped as the elephant’s head and the body forming the elephant’s figure, creating an unusual and highly imaginative design. A pair of children is sculpted in high relief on the elephant’s back, both wearing double topknots and embracing each other closely, expressing a sense of harmony and auspicious meaning. The surface is richly decorated with flowing cloud scrolls and curling vegetal patterns created through gold inlay techniques. Multiple turquoise and red agate stones are set into the recessed areas, creating a striking contrast of colors. The long elephant trunk is elegantly extended and further enhanced with gold decoration and turquoise inlays. The reverse features a circular knob decorated with gold spiral motifs, while the back surface incorporates silver inlay designs of auspicious creatures including the Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and running hound. Ancient characters are engraved along the elephant trunk, while the bronze surface displays natural green and reddish patination with a deep aged appearance. Combining gold and silver inlay, gemstone decoration, and high-relief sculpture, this extraordinary Warring States masterpiece reflects the advanced metalworking techniques of ancient China and represents a rare luxury object once associated with aristocratic use.

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