A gold-inlaid bronze 'tiger' fragment, Warring States period | 戰國 青銅鎏金虎型鐏

Modelled with a ferocious tiger and tapering to a narrow end, this elaborately decorated fitting was made to cap the foot of ceremonial poles of weapons, such as spears and dagger axes. Not only it protects the shaft, but the lavish usage of gold inlaid also highlights the superiority of its owner. A similar example, from the collection of Chang Wei-Hwa, was exhibited in Ching Wan Society Millennium Exhibition, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 2000, cat. no.123; and a bronze example, from the collection of Sir Joseph Hotung, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 9 October 2022, lot 142.