Artwork preview

Belt Buckle with Animal-Combat Scene

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rectangular belt buckle with patina, featuring two animals in combat. The larger animal, with a long tail, stands on all fours facing right; it has a curved horn and a distinctive snout. A smaller animal, with a shorter tail, lunges up from the bottom right, biting the larger animal's leg. Above them, an intricate design resembling a tree or vine with curved branches and teardrop shapes. The buckle's surface exhibits a greenish patina with darker spots, indicating age. The background of the image is plain light purple.

Artwork Details

Date
3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Culture
North China
Dimensions
600 × 476 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette