China, Warring States Period, 475 to 221 BCE. A stunning artifact, this is a bronze coated, iron belt hook with inlaid gold. The body of the hook curves, and there is a raised disc on the back for attachment; it once would have had a small hook at its narrowest end. The body of the hook is iron, as is the raised disc, with thin bronze over it and inlaid gold patterns on the exterior face. These patterns are geometric, with repeated scrolls, a common early Chinese motif. The upper interior face also has incised scroll patterns which may once have had inlaid gold. Size: 0.75" W x 8" H (1.9 cm x 20.3 cm)

Chinese men used belt ornaments to wear tight trousers, necessary for riding horses. Warring States period texts state that the tradition of belt hooks came from Central Asia, which was also the origin of the equestrian tradition in China, and so belt hooks were initially a symbol of exoticism and foreignness. This exoticism gave them an air of the erotic, and Qu Yuan (ca. 340 to 278 BCE), a Chinese poet and minister, compared beautiful women to belt hooks like this one.

Provenance: private Denenberg Fine Arts, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#126184

Repaired from multiple pieces. Much of the original gold inlay remains, as shown. The narrowest end has a loss. Dark patina on surface.