Artwork Page for Finial

Details / Information for Finial

Finial

475–221 BCE

China, Henan province, Jincun, Warring States period

(475–221 BCE)
Medium
bronze inlaid with gold and silver
Measurements
Overall: 13.1 cm (5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1930.730
Public Domain
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Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
Print
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Did You Know?

This finial is made to be placed on the top of a pole or staff.

Description

Chariots and weapons were associated with hunting and warfare in the ancient world. Those bronze fittings with lavish inlaid decoration were status symbols of rulers and high-ranking officials.

This finial combines extravagance and ferocious beauty to reveal the aesthetics of the time. The birds with hooked beaks are above the intertwined serpent-dragons. Such artistic conception emphasizes the power of the bird in combat. Every facet of this finial is exquisitely crafted to give full play to the inlaid decoration.
This vertical bronze sculpture features a dense composition of intertwined mythical creatures and openwork. Aged with a green patina, the surface is embellished with gold and silver inlays of swirls, spirals, and scales. A hooked head arches at the top over smaller figures. A solid band at the base contains gold diamonds and circular medallions inlaid with red and gray dots. Metallic glints highlight the contrast between textured animals and geometric patterns.

Finial

475–221 BCE

China, Henan province, Jincun, Warring States period (475–221 BCE)

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