cast in shallow relief with a pair of stylized cicadas and leiwen filling a panel across the top of the crescent-shaped central bridge flanked by two slender faceted arms, each in a high arc and tapering down to a pierced spherical terminal enclosing a loose ball (bells), light and dark green patination

Archaic bow-shaped fitting, 12th-11th century BCE

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

The fitting is cast roughly resembling a bow with a pierced spherical terminal in each end enclosing a loose ball. It was attached to the waist of a soldier driving a chariot, used as a cleat for tying the reins to leave his hands free for combat. The stylized cicada motif seen on the top of the fitting is meaningful. It was a favored motif during the Shang dynasty, perhaps due to the insect’s fascinating life cycle and ability to split its outer skin annually, thus a symbol of resurrection, rebirth and immortality.

Details
Title
Archaic bow-shaped fitting
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2021.5
Curator Approved

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cast in shallow relief with a pair of stylized cicadas and leiwen filling a panel across the top of the crescent-shaped central bridge flanked by two slender faceted arms, each in a high arc and tapering down to a pierced spherical terminal enclosing a loose ball (bells), light and dark green patination