Chariot Fittings
Place of Origin
Culture/Period
Date From
-771
Date To
-476
Materials
Height (cm)
6,3 cm
Width (cm)
4 cm
Accession Number
HKU-B-1957-0161 and HKU-B-1957-0188
Description
Chariots were commonly used in China from around 1250 BCE when various states were battling to take control of China. Other than its main purpose as transportation, chariots were also a symbol of high social status and a shock weapon. The chariot fitting item above is a part of a chariot, which is more complex in design and assembly than traditional carts and carriage as it could only be used by nobles and high-ranking soldiers.
Chariot fittings largely varied in their shape and size. Compared to the other same artifacts, this item has a simpler design and pattern. Unlike the other chariot fittings which have a complicated shape (for example bullhead or asymmetrical shapes), this set is shaped like a simple tube with geometrical engraving. In addition to that, this item consists of 1 material only, unlike others that are made with hints of gold, silver, and iron as decorations.
As metalwork was considered artwork and produce aesthetically beautiful artifacts, there could be several meanings to the geometrical pattern that is engraved into these chariot fittings, being combining modern elements with traditional objects.
Chariot fittings largely varied in their shape and size. Compared to the other same artifacts, this item has a simpler design and pattern. Unlike the other chariot fittings which have a complicated shape (for example bullhead or asymmetrical shapes), this set is shaped like a simple tube with geometrical engraving. In addition to that, this item consists of 1 material only, unlike others that are made with hints of gold, silver, and iron as decorations.
As metalwork was considered artwork and produce aesthetically beautiful artifacts, there could be several meanings to the geometrical pattern that is engraved into these chariot fittings, being combining modern elements with traditional objects.
Citation
“Chariot Fittings,” 3D Objects at UMAG, accessed April 25, 2024, https://cchu9080.lib.hku.hk/items/show/126.