Bronze with gold and silver inlay using cuōjīnyīn technique

circa 400-200 BCE

China

Museum Rietberg

Details

Culture/Civilisation

Ancient China

Theme

The Great River Civilisations outside India: Mesopotamia, Egypt and China

Subtheme

Ancient China: The Great Northern and Southern Rivers

Display Location

Coomaraswamy Hall

Findspot

China

Measurements

6.5 x 20 x 5.5 cm

Accession Number

RCH 41

Description

Bronze: technology and art
China’s mastery of fire, acquired through ceramics, also led to outstanding bronze casting. The bronze carriage fitting is exquisitely inlaid with gold and silver. Surmounted by a crouching tiger, it must have belonged to a person of power.

Curators Comments

The inlay technique known as cuōjīnyīn, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship.

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