East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A wonderful ensemble of 17 leaded-bronze accessories cast in intricately detailed molds and decorated with glinting gilding. First are a pair of ovoid belt panels with tapered tips. Next are 3 rectangular belt attachments with two bearing a rounded side and one with a tapered end. Two ovoid bells have open bottoms meant to produce sound when struck. Two slender applicators have narrow bodies with one bearing an openwork bell finial. One buckle still retains its original pin. Four belt ornaments present an openwork oval, a rounded body with raised motifs, a rectangular body with a quartz inlay, and a stylized feline with ample gilding across the face. A feline-form finial retains traces of its original wooden cane inside the head cavity. One belt hook has a pair of semicircular lateral flanges, and the largest belt hook exhibits a stylized feline on top as well as a feline head on the hook. Size of largest (belt hook w/ felines): 3.2" L (8.1 cm)
Provenance: private collection of the late Karming Wong; approximate date of acquisition: late 1970 to early 1980
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#156504
Condition
Losses to areas of four items as shown. All items have nicks and abrasions, with encrustations in most areas, and softening to some finer details. Great earthen deposits and patina throughout.