One of a pair of Bird-Head Ornaments
Unknown Artist
3rd–1st century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); W. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Ernest Erickson Foundation, 1985
Accession Number
1985.214.87
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection, this delicate *One of a Pair of Bird-Head Or* hails from ancient China, dating to the 3rd–1st century BCE. Crafted from bronze and measuring just 1⅝ inches (4.1 cm) in height and width, this petite artifact was likely one half of a symmetrical pair, designed for personal adornment—perhaps pinned to clothing, hair, or ceremonial objects. Its bird-head form captures the elegance of avian motifs so prevalent in Chinese art of the Warring States and early Han periods, evoking grace, freedom, and spiritual symbolism. Bronze metalwor...