Bronze
1200-1050 BCE
China
The British Museum
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient China
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Do Empires Need Wars?
Case Title
Preparing for war
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
China
Measurements
20 x 9 x 5.5 cm (each piece)
Accession Number
1936,1118.37-38
Description
Metal changed war, and is still central for a war economy. Chariots had long been used in battle. China’s mastery of metal enabled it to develop horse-fittings such as bridles and build sturdier, faster chariots. These bronze decorations, would probably have been attached to the yoke of a ceremonial chariot.
