西周 青銅獣面紋飾|Fitting
Unknown Artist
11th–10th century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture & Period
China · Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 B.C.)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Paul E. Manheim, 1967
Accession Number
67.43.11
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze fitting, titled *Western Zhou Bronze Animal Face Pattern Decor* (西周 青銅獣面紋飾), hails from China's Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE), a golden age of bronze craftsmanship. Measuring just 2⅛ inches high and 2½ inches wide, this small yet intricate metalwork piece likely served as a decorative attachment for chariots, belts, or ritual objects, showcasing the elite status of its owner. Crafted using the sophisticated piece-mold casting technique, it features a stylized animal face—evoking lion-like ferocity through bulging eyes, fangs, and horns—amid swirling motifs typical o...