A beast with the forehead shield and ears of a t'ao-t'ieh has a scaled body coiled tortuously around a bird(?) and terminated by two bold tufts. A small tiger (?) clings to the beast's haunches. The scale decor is inlaid alternately with gold and turquoise. A spiral decor is rendered partly in gold inlay and partly in niello. Patina dark green with small areas of reddish brown.

Buckle in the form of coiled dragon, 5th-4th century BCE

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This belt buckle is in the shape of a twisted serpent, its large head facing to the left. The mouth forms one of the loops beneath the buckle, where strips would be inserted. The serpent’s head and body are inlaid with gold and turquoise U-shaped patterns.

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Details
Title
Buckle in the form of coiled dragon
Role
Artist
Accession Number
50.46.117
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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A beast with the forehead shield and ears of a t'ao-t'ieh has a scaled body coiled tortuously around a bird(?) and terminated by two bold tufts. A small tiger (?) clings to the beast's haunches. The scale decor is inlaid alternately with gold and turquoise. A spiral decor is rendered partly in gold inlay and partly in niello. Patina dark green with small areas of reddish brown.