Tally in the shape of a tiger (Hu fu)
In ancient China, bronze tallies were used to verify orders for troop deployment. Usually cast in the shape of a tiger, they consist of two halves with complementary pins and notches on their backs. One half was held by the commanding officer, the other by the emperor. The officer would only accept orders accompanied by the interlocking other half.
Artwork Details
- 漢 鎏金青銅虎符
- Title: Tally in the shape of a tiger (Hu fu)
- Period: Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Gilt bronze
- Dimensions: H. 1 in. (2.5 cm); W. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); L. 3 in. (7.6 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1918
- Object Number: 18.43.7
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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