Weight in the shape of a chimera

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 214

This miniature sculpture was originally used as a mat weight, a functional ornament in ancient China. Typically appearing in sets of four, such weights held down the corners of mats that were positioned on the floor or over low-footed daybeds—a common form of seating. In later periods, these ancient treasures were repurposed as paperweights and produced for scholar’s studios.

Weight in the shape of a chimera, Bronze, gilding, gold and turquoise inlays, China

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