Artwork preview

Belt hook

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Belt hook, Saka or Wusun, Silver with gold and turquoise inlays. The belt hook has a curved, hook-like end. A bird with a long beak sits atop the hook. The hook is decorated with curving tendril-like and spiral patterns, possibly a bird engaging with a serpent-like creature. The background of the image is gray.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium:
Bronze inlaid with gold and silver
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
469 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette