Belt Plaque with Three Ibex
Unknown Artist
2nd–1st century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm); W. 5 1/2 in. (13.9 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture
Northwest China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene V. Thaw, 2002
Accession Number
2002.201.116
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze belt plaque, *Belt Plaque with Ibex*, hails from Northwest China and dates to the 2–1st century BCE Measuring just 2 5/8 inches high and 5 1/2 inches wide, this delicate metalwork piece was likely worn as a decorative ornament on a belt, a common accessory among nomadic elites of ancient steppe cultures. Crafted by an unknown artist, it showcases three graceful ibex—mountain goats renowned for their agility—captured in dynamic poses that evoke the rugged landscapes of the region. The plaque's significance lies in its masterful bronze casting technique, a hallmark of earl...