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Chariot fitting in the shape of a tiger’s head

4th–3rd 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.
Horse-drawn chariots were a formidable weapon on ancient China’s battlefields; a country’s military strength was often measured by the sheer number of its chariots. A commander’s vehicle would have been distinguished by its richly embellished fittings. This naturalistically modeled tiger head finial is ornamented with silver inlays that accentuate the animal’s sharp teeth, whiskers, and eyebrows.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 東周　虎頭青銅錯銀車飾
  • Title: Chariot fitting in the shape of a tiger’s head
  • Period: Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE)
  • Date: 4th–3rd century BCE
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze inlaid with silver
  • Dimensions: H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); W. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); L. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by a private collection
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art