A gold-inlaid bronze belt hook - Warring States/Han Dynasty

Cast with a small dragon head forming the hook, the faceted handle of elongated leaf shape applied with a thin gold sheet forming a pattern of intertwined snakelike dragons with heads and eyes forming a subsidiary taotie design, the flat top of the button to the reverse also inlaid in gold (losses to inlay, corrosion). 8 1/2in (21.5cm) long - Sold for $4,000 plus Premium and tax

Bonhams.  Fine Asian Works of Art, 18 Dec 2007. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, California