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China

Tubular Fitting

Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (480–221 B.C.), 4th/3rd century B.C.
Bronze inlaid with gold and silver
12.1 × 4.4 cm (4.8 × 1.7 in)

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● On view now — Gallery 132

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Sumptuously inlaid bronze tubes were designed as fittings for weapons, scepters, and chariots. This bottle-shaped fitting may have formed part of the axel cap for the wheel of a ceremonial chariot. In its remarkable fluency, the inlaid design of volutes and spirals was largely inspired by contemporary lacquer painting.

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