Pair of bronze weights
China, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period, 475 – 221 BC

A pair of bronze weights, each constructed in three separate parts. Inserted into each weight is a circular base, on which stands a large winged mythical animal (chimera). Its four short legs end in clawed feet, and support a compact, contorted body. The animal lifts up its horned head with pinned back ears and wide-open mouth, baring its teeth. A thin beard falls from the lower jaw down to the chest. A separately cast, domed openwork cover is attached to each weight, covering the chimera. The cover consists of a trellis of vine-like branches, amongst which are scattered a number of finely detailed animals and birds, including dragons, deer, winged horses, tigers, owls, as well as two crouching Shamanic figures who are feeding a horned animal. The metal has a dry, pale green patina.

• It is generally assumed that the purpose of small bronze weights such as this fine pair was to weigh down a mat or funeral shroud. It is also been suggested that, in everyday life, they may have been used as scroll weights. Such weights were first produced during the Warring States period (475 – 221 BC). These amazingly well detailed examples do not appear to have any published equivalent. They were made using the wax casting method; the minute detail and threedimensional effect that this technique allowed would have been virtually impossible to produce in traditional mould casting. In terms of the animal theme, a parallel can be drawn with pottery ‘hill’ jars (Boshanlu) of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), which often feature an array of animals and human figures in their decoration.