Artwork preview

Belt Plaque in the Shape of a Standing Carnivore

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a bronze belt plaque in the shape of a standing carnivore, likely a feline. The plaque is roughly rectangular with a wavy bottom edge and a curving top edge. The head of the animal points to the left; the mouth is open, and the tail curls up and over the back. The body of the animal is intricately decorated with curving lines, swirls, and dots. Two legs and two paws are visible on each side of the plaque. The plaque is made of a dark brown metal with green patina on the lower edge. The background of the image is pale purple.

Artwork details

Date:
4th century BCE
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
Northwest China
Dimensions:
600 × 336 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette