Chinses Belt Hook, Warring States Period

Bronze inlaid with gold and silver.
China, Warring States Period (453-221 BC)
L. 5.7 cm
Magnificent patina.

This type of staple was used to crochet leather belts that closed men's clothing. Its wealth testifies to the high social status of its owner. The object has an inlaid decoration with elaborate shapes. The hollowed-out patterns are first designed on the body of the object and then they are filled with gold and silver; finally, the part is finished by polishing. The color and surface contrasts thus obtained create sought-after effects. Depending on the point of view from which it is apprehended, the object combines a multitude of animal representations: feline, snake, frog, elephant.

Provenance: former private French collection.