Weight in the Form of Three Chilong Dragons
Asian Art
On View: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
MEDIUM
Gilt bronze
DATES
770 B.C.E.–8 C.E.
DYNASTY
Eastern Zhou to Western Han Dynasty
PERIOD
Late Eastern Zhou to Western Han Dynasty
ACCESSION NUMBER
1991.127.10
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Alan and Simone Hartman
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Three finely articulated dragons arranged in a circle; the dragon heads are attached to a stylized mountain that serves as the axis of the circle.
Sometimes described as "sleeve weights" or "scroll weights," these heavy bronze objects once functioned as weights to hold down the corners of mats. Until relatively late in Chinese history, people conventionally sat on the floor or on low platforms. These were covered with mats that were stored rolled up, and decorative weights held them flat while unrolled. Like the "Garment Hooks" and the inlaid bronze chariot fittings in this gallery, such weights are skillfully decorated luxury goods. (Gallery Chat Label, 2005)
CAPTION
Weight in the Form of Three Chilong Dragons, 770 B.C.E.–8 C.E. Gilt bronze, 3 1/4in. (8.3cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Alan and Simone Hartman, 1991.127.10. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1991.127.10_overall_PS4.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1991.127.10_overall_PS4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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