Gratefully built with ACNLPatternTool
Not on view
Belt hooks, possibly inspired by nomadic cultures of the steppes, were not merely a practical garment fastener but also an important means of asserting social standing. The exquisitely cast dragon and luxurious gilding of this accessory communicate the prominent status of the owner.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item
Title: Belt hook in the shape of a dragon
Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Date: 3rd–2nd century BCE
Culture: North China
Medium: Gilt bronze
Dimensions: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); L. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Classification: Metalwork
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene V. Thaw, 2002
Accession Number: 2002.201.167
The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars.
The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can connect to the most up-to-date data and public domain images for The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
