Unknown

Bow-shaped object

Details

Artist

Unknown

Title

Bow-shaped object

Date

Late Shang or Early Western Zhou dynasty (about 1500- 1050 BC or about 1050-771 BC)

Medium

Bronze

Dimensions

L: 39.8 cm.

Reference

CVCSC 0391.A

Collection

Chinese

Status

On Display

The precise function of this object is uncertain. They have sometimes been called jingles because some examples had small bells at each end. This example, however, is decorated with stylised horses’ heads instead. It may have been used to secure reins around the chariot driver’s waist, allowing free use of the hands, or it may have been a fitting on a bow.

Bow-shaped object Late Shang or Early Western Zhou dynasty (about 1500- 1050 BC or about 1050-771 BC) © Compton Verney