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Stand in the shape of a tiger

5th century BCE
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Possibly a support for a large vessel, this dynamic sculpture of a tiger exhibits exaggerated features: an upturned head with wide open jaws, a tautly twisted back, brawny legs with sharp claws, and a curling tail. Its surface is completely covered with fine intaglio patterns of interlocking scrolls and dense striations, typical of bronze decoration from the fifth century B.C.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 東周　虎形青銅座
  • Title: Stand in the shape of a tiger
  • Period: Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE)
  • Date: 5th century BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); W. 5 in. (12.7 cm); L. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art