Subject: 士 shi warrior
Culture: proto-Chinese
Setting: Warring States, China 5th-3rdc BC
Object: ornaments
Sackler Gallery *
"Belt hook with raised comma design China, Eastern Zhou period, 3rd century B.C. Nephrite (jade)" ...
Museum of Fine Arts > Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa *
"Garment hook China (Ordos region), Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period, 5th century B.C. Bronze" ...
"Garment hook in the shape of a monkey China (possibly Zhong Shan state, Hebei province),
Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period, 5th century B.C. Bronze, inlaid with silver" ...
* Kimbell Art Museum > Passport to Asia
"Belt hooks China, Eastern Zhou and Han periods, 5th-3rd century BC Jade, bronze, and brass The constant climate of warfare that characterized Chinese history from the Eastern Zhou period to the initial decades of Han rule is reflected in the abundance of military equipment excavated from the tombs of upper-class men. During this period, the adoption of cavalry and the dress style of the nomadic tribes to the north prompted the creation in China of many accessories closely related to the new outfit: belt hooks and belt buckles, garment hooks, fittings for iron swords, horse trappings, and archery-related accessories. Besides their utilitarian function, these accessories also communicated the high status of their owners."
* Kimbell Art Museum > Passport to Asia
"Tiger plaque late Eastern Zhou, early Han period, 3rd century BC Jade
By the fourth century BC, the motif of the dragon with the features of a tiger is frequently depicted on Eastern Zhou jades. This large and impressive plaque is quite interesting, since it is carved in the shape of a tiger with a dragon's features -- the long crest protruding from the head -- and phoenix-like birds, elegantly incised on the haunches, rendered in a calligraphic style reminiscent of the motifs painted on lacquers or embroidered on textiles of the period. The combination of the dragon and the phoenix is also a pervasive theme in Eastern Zhou jades and continues into the Han dynasty."
