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Three Hoof-Shaped Ingots

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
In 2011 local governments intercepted the looting of an ancient tomb west of Nanchang. Excavations revealed that it belonged to Liu He (92–59 B.C.), who in 74 B.C. was enthroned as emperor but was deposed after only twenty-seven days. He became known as the marquis of Haihun. Among the hundreds of gold ingots recovered from his tomb were nearly fifty in the shape of hooves. They are of particular significance, for in 95 B.C. Emperor Wu (r. 141–87 B.C.) ordered that the name of gold coinage be changed to linzhi (qilin-hoof) and mati (horse-hoof) to match auspicious omens he had seen in a vision: a white qilin unicorn and a “heavenly” horse.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 马蹄金三枚
  • Title: Three Hoof-Shaped Ingots
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Gold
  • Dimensions: a (M1: 1814-8): H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm); Wt. 8.892oz. (252.1g)
    b (M1: 1814-9): H. 1 9/16 in. (3.9 cm); W. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 8.377oz. (237.5g)
    c (M1: 1814-10): H. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm); W. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm); Wt. 8.683oz. (246.2g)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art