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Finial in the Shape of Kulan

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The bronze sculpture depicts an animal resembling a donkey or a mule with a long, pointed ear and a short tail, standing on a small rectangular base with a cylindrical hole on one side. The sculpture is rendered in a simple, naturalistic style with a green patina, exhibiting a weathered appearance with visible signs of aging and wear. The animal's head is lowered, and its legs are bent. The background features a gradient transitioning from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom, with the sculpture casting a shadow to the right. The sculpture is titled "Finial in the Shape of Kulan" by an unknown artist.

Artwork Details

Date
4th century BCE
Medium
Tinned bronze
Culture
Northwest China and southwestern Inner Mongolia
Dimensions
463 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette