Medium: Gilt bronze
Geograhical Locations:
Dates:770 B.C.E.-8 C.E.
Dimensions: 3 1/4in. (8.3cm)
Collections:
Museum Location: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
Exhibitions:
Accession Number: 1991.127.10
Image: 1991.127.10_overall_PS4.jpg,
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)