Artwork preview

Belt Buckle with Animal-Combat Scene

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rectangular belt buckle with rounded corners, primarily depicting an animal-combat scene. The buckle features a dark gray or black metal with a weathered appearance. At the center, two creatures are engaged in combat: one resembling a dragon or serpent with a long body, curled tail, and sharp teeth, and the other a feline-like animal. The dragon-like creature has curled tendrils or flames around its body. In the bottom left corner, a line of raised text. The buckle's surface is heavily textured with raised designs throughout. The background of the image is plain white.

Artwork Details

Date
3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Culture
North China
Dimensions
598 × 348 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette