Artwork preview

Belt Buckle with Animal Combat Scene

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rectangular belt buckle with rounded corners, made of dark gray metal, possibly bronze. The buckle features a relief design depicting two animals in combat. On the right, an animal resembling a tiger or a dog with its mouth open and teeth bared, has its front left paw raised. The animal has curled horns on its head. On the left, an animal resembling a dragon or a snake, with a curled, spiral tail. The dragon-like animal appears to be biting the other animal. The scene is surrounded by decorative swirls and waves. A small circular hole is present on the left side of the buckle. The background of the image is plain white.

Artwork details

Date:
3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
598 × 348 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette