Bronze Belt Buckle Hook
ca. 450-221 B.C.
Although a time of warfare and social unrest, the Warring States period (ca. 450-221 B.C.) was also an era of rapidly expanding trade, wealth, and a rising merchant class. The silk industry was highly advanced at this point, producing fabulous textiles that were made into elaborate attire for the wealthy and the powerful. Many garments of this period were belted; hooks such as these were used to join the two ends of the belt. Usually made of bronze, these hooks appear infinitely variable in shape, and were often as richly decorated as the garments themselves, embellished with gold and silver, turquoise, jade and other precious materials.
Bronze with gilt
1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
L.: 6 1/2 in.
Diam.: 1/2 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
49.98
