Belt hook with dragons, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE), 3rd–2nd century BCE. Gilt bronze. W. 3.8 cm; L. 16 cm). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene V. Thaw, 2002, 2002.201.170. © 2000–2024 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Belt hooks, possibly inspired by nomadic...

Covered ding vessel, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). Lacquered gray clay. H. 19.2 cm, W. 26.3 cm. Excavated 1972, Tomb M4, Yinqueshan, Linyi County. Collection of Shandong Provincial Museum. Similar in form to the inscribed bronze covered ding (cat....

Covered Qi da guan ding vessel, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). Cast bronze; H. 19 cm. Seven-character inscription: Qi da guan Xu Nan Gong ding. Excavated 1999, Luozhuang, Zhangqiu County. Collection of the Jinan Municipal Museum. This covered ding...

Bird with ding vessels, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). Clay with natural pigments; H. 53.5 cm, L. 40 cm, W. 45 cm. xcavated 1969, Wuyingshan, Jinan Municipality. Collection of Jinan Municipal Museum. © China Institute Gallery The bird stands with...

Five horses pulling chariot, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). Clay with natural pigments.Chariot: H. 29.5 cm; Horses: H. 31–33 cm. Excavated 1969, Wuyingshan, Jinan Municipality. Collection of Jinan Municipal Museum. © China Institute Gallery This...

Frontlet for a horse’s bridle (danglu), Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). Gilt Bronze. L. 16.5 cm, W. 7.5 cm. Excavated 1999, Luozhuang, Zhangqiu County. Collection of Jinan Municipal Museum. © China Institute Gallery This gilt bronze masterwork, which...