A Warring states Western Han dynasty belt hook
An Western Han dynasty inlaid bronze belt hook
Having a distinct ‘S’ shape and terminating in dragon head. Traces of turquoise inlay are visible throughout the cast geometric surface pattern. This degree of intricate definition and sharpness was largely due to the Chinese method of piece-mold casting as opposed to the lost-wax method.
This is almost identical to the example in the ashmolean museum although retaining less of its inlay
c. 400-200 BC
Dimensions
W 2.5 cm / 1 in
L 17 cm / 6.7 in