Buckle
206 B.C.-220 A.D.
Medium
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Classification
Decorative Arts-Jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.581
Art Historical Context
This exquisite buckle, dating from the Han Dynasty (206.C.–220 A.D.), exemplifies masterful craftsmanship of ancient China during one of its most prosperous eras. Crafted as a piece of decorative jewelry, it would have served both functional and ornamental purposes, likely fastening belts or sashes on garments worn by elites. The Han period marked a golden age of innovation, metalworking techniques advancing to produce intricate designs that blended utility with symbolism—often evoking motifs of nature, animals, auspicious symbols to convey status and spiritual protection. Though the artist r...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –