The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of June 9, 2026

A gilt bronze ornament depicts a stylized, curled creature with its gilding mostly worn away to reveal darkened metal. The head on the right is tucked toward the chest, while the legs are folded underneath. A long, twisted tail curves on the left. Engraved scrolling patterns decorate the body, which is pierced by a circular opening on the right. Patches of gold remain across the worn surface.

Ornament

206 BCE–220 CE

China, Ordos Region, Han dynasty

(202 BCE–220 CE)
gilt bronze
Overall: 6.1 x 11.8 cm (2 3/8 x 4 5/8 in.)
John L. Severance Fund 1952.114
Location: Not on view
  • ?–1952
    (Vladimir G. Simkhovitch [1874–1959], New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
    1952–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Ornament|url=false|author=|year=206 BCE–220 CE|access-date=09 June 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1952.114