figure. 400–300 BCE. bronze. Gift of Dr. Carol and Mr. Henry Goldstein. 2018.38.

height: 2 3/4 in, 6.9850 cm; width: 1 5/8 in, 4.1275 cm; depth: 3 5/8 in, 9.2075 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

This object is currently on view

Yoke Ornament
400s–300s BCE
China
Bronze
Gift of Dr. Carol and Mr. Henry Goldstein, 2018.38

Figurines like these were used as yoke ornaments on burial chariots. The style of these two bronzes is similar to ones excavated in northwestern China, particularly in Yanglang culture sites in today’s southern Ningxia autonomous region and eastern Gansu Province. Such ornaments are usually found in tombs alongside horse, sheep, and cattle skulls, as well as horse gear, indicating that the tombs were likely those of nomads. Chinese-style weapons and ornaments were also found in Yanglang cemeteries, indicating active exchanges among cultures.

(Art Treasures Gallery), Hong Kong; Purchased by Dr. Carol [1942-2020] and Henry Goldstein [b. 1930], 1997, Englewood, CO; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 2018 [1] on loan since 2017