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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2016.200
Title
Roundel: Bear
Classification
Riding Equipment
Work Type
ornament
Date
300-100 BCE
Period
Han dynasty, Western Han period, 206 BCE-9 CE
Culture
Chinese
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/352483

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze, mercury gilded
Technique
Cast
Dimensions
3.3 x 3.5 cm (1 5/16 x 1 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
William D. Vogel (H’30), Milwaukee, WI (by 1930-1980), inherited; by Virginia Booth Vogel, Milwaukee, WI (1980-1998), by descent; to Frederick Vogel III, Milwaukee, WI (1998-2016), gift; to The Harvard Art Museums.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Frederick Vogel III in memory of his father, William D. Vogel, H’30
Accession Year
2016
Object Number
2016.200
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Horse harness ornament in the shape of a roundel with the depiction of a bear with protruding tongue; the paws are arranged below the frontal head and the animal's muzzle forms the roundel's center. The rounded ears are typical for representations of bears of the Western Han period. The mercury gilding suggests manufacture in China rather than among the tribes to the north, where the bear motif originated. The roundel is framed by a hatched border. It is hollow below and attached to a square, cage-like structure, likley for a harness strap crossing.

Green patina over a brown corrosion layer; traces of mercury gilding on the relief.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu