Bronze, gold, silver, China. Warring States style to early western Han

Like no. 29, this gou, was executed with optimal and rich craftsmanship. All inlays are extremely carefully crafted. Here, the hook has the form of a snakes’ head. The curved front of the body depicts the head of a phoenix, accompanied by coiled snake bodies, the heads of which are at the back end. Additional, smaller snakes. The inlays of gold and silver form the animals’ scales an geometric patterns or accentuate details such as eyes, feathers etc. On the back, green patina as well as the typical stud in the form of a mushroom with delicately inlaid spirals; archaic character script inlaid on the neck of the hook. Completely preserved.


Expertise: Wolfmar Zacken

Provenance: From an Austrian collection

Dimensions: LENGTH 14,8 CM