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Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals

China

Not on view

Before the chair was introduced to China in the third century A.D., people sat on the floor or on daybeds, over which straw mats were placed for comfort. Weights, usually in sets of four, held down the corners. These examples show a bear and tiger in fierce combat, reflecting both a nomadic influence and the exotic tastes of Han aristocrats.

Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China

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Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China
Four Mat Weights in the Shape of Fighting Animals, Bronze inlaid with gold, silver and gemstones, China

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