gilt bronze with crystal and glass inlay; three central glass circles; masks on either end, hook attached to mouth of one; underside silver inlay, ungilded, circular button at underside

Belt Hook, 4th-3rd century BCE

Unknown artist, expand_more

Richly decorated belt fasteners like this one were stunning additions to the luxurious silk costumes of the Warring States period. This elaborately decorated hook has three crystal bosses set over comma spirals with smaller green glass bosses interspersed between entwined dragons. Large monster masks are at each end of the decorative field, and the long hook issuing from the mouth of one mask ends in a turned-back dragon head. The concave underside is left ungilded and is inlaid with scrollwork in silver wire.

Details
Title
Belt Hook
Role
Artist
Accession Number
96.52.1
Curator Approved

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gilt bronze with crystal and glass inlay; three central glass circles; masks on either end, hook attached to mouth of one; underside silver inlay, ungilded, circular button at underside