plaque. 100s–0 BCE. bronze. Gift of Dr. Carol and Mr. Henry Goldstein. 2018.36.

height: 1 in, 2.5400 cm; width: 1 1/2 in, 3.81 cm; depth: 1/8 in, 0.3175 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

Belt Plaque
100s–0 BCE
China
Bronze
Gift of Dr. Carol and Mr. Henry Goldstein, 2018.36

This kind of plaque is associated with the Xiongnu people, who dominated the Eurasian steppe from the third to first century BCE. The vast territory of the Xiongnu, and the nomadic nature of its inhabitants, promoted cultural exchange. Easily carried from place to place, stylistically similar animal-shaped bronzes like this have been found throughout the region. This one depicts either a grazing ibex or goat. Its exaggerated horn arches back to connect with its shoulder, while its elongated beard drops to its front hoof. The hole in the shoulder and the hole formed by the curved tail likely served as attachment loops to the belt.

(Art Treasures Gallery), Hong Kong; Purchased by Dr. Carol [1942-2020] and Henry Goldstein [b. 1930], 1997, Englewood, CO; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 2018 [1] on loan since 2017