DISCOVERART

China

Pair of Plaques with Profile Animal Heads

Western Zhou dynasty ( 1046–771 BC ), 10th/8th century B.C.
Bronze
22.4 × 0.2 cm (8.8 × 0.1 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 131

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This metal plaque is one of a pair that was beaten together to form mirror images of an animal head in profile with gaping mouth and curved fang. Similarly curved and perforated examples, which have been excavated from the burials of horses and chariots, suggest that these plaques originally formed the cheek pieces for a horse's bridle. Alternatively, they may have been sewn onto leather to form defensive armor for the chest or back of a soldier.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by China

Spinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkPair of Hall ChairsPair of Hall ChairsPicturePictureSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkCouch-BedCouch-BedDish with Peaches and BatsDish with Peaches and BatsSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing Silk

More like this

Hawk HeadAncient Greek — Hawk HeadOrnamental Fitting with Crouching Felines (one of pair)Northeastern China — Ornamental Fitting with Crouching FelinHair Ornament or Pin with Triangular Head and RattleChimú-Inca — Hair Ornament or Pin with Triangular Head and ROrnamental Fitting with Crouching Felines (one of pair)Northeastern China — Ornamental Fitting with Crouching FelinPendant in the Form of a JaguarVeraguas — Pendant in the Form of a JaguarPole Cap with AntelopeEurasian steppes — Pole Cap with AntelopeCeremonial Knife (Tumi)Chimú — Ceremonial Knife (Tumi)MaskChina Reportedly found in Shaanxi province — MaskPendant in the Form of a Mythical Double-Headed CreatureColima — Pendant in the Form of a Mythical Double-Headed CreFibula (leech type)Ancient Greek — Fibula (leech type)Amulet of a Shilbe FishAncient Egyptian — Amulet of a Shilbe FishRoosterAncient Greek — Rooster