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
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette