Artwork preview

Belt hook in the shape of a dragon

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bronze belt hook with a dragon design. The hook has a long, narrow, tapered handle with a mushroom-shaped finial at the top. The hook portion is curved and ornate, featuring an openwork design of a dragon. The dragon's body forms the curve of the hook and has a head at the bottom and another at the top. The dragon's mouth is open and its body has ridges along its length. The entire piece is made of bronze and has a dark brown patina with areas of gold visible. The background is a gradient purple.

Artwork Details

Date
3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium
Gilt bronze
Culture
North China
Dimensions
247 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette