Han Dynasty Bronze Dragon Belt Hook, China (1095BLE)

Description

Chinese belt hooks were worn with the hook end on the wearer’s left and fastened to clothing with a button like bronze piece fixed to the belt’s end. Initially only functional, metalwork belt hooks became a symbol of wealth, high status and power by the Han Dynasty. They were made using a variety of materials and carved with incised decoration. As these pieces grew in size and cost, they became less functional for clothing and were hung vertically from belt holes to hold decorative items like seals, knives, and other objects. These were used in life and later buried with the deceased for his journey to the afterlife with other burial goods (mingqi). This beautiful piece in the shape of a dragon was ornamented with incised linear decoration. Dragons, ancient symbols of divine protection, are the highest beings among Chinese mythical animals and provide protection, ward off evil spirits and symbolize good fortune, high rank and power. Belt hooks  were usually cast in a single mold. In very good condition, it has not been cleaned and has normal pitting and surface losses due to its two millennia-old burial in a humid tomb that has heavily oxidized over the years and, therefore, has beautiful verdigris deposits.