Copper Vessel Base made of Inlaid Gold and Silver with Pattern of Tiger Eating Deer

2 min read

This Copper Vessel Base, unearthed from Tomb of King of Zhongshan State, vividly shows the tiger eating a little deer, which is a representative of sculpture art of the Warring States Period. With novel idea, it is supported with rear paw of tiger and deer leg, which not only shows balanced and steady effect, but also shows intense conflict. Moving and tranquil statuses are handled perfectly. As for the shape, it not only focuses on plump body, but also focuses on winding and changing appearance. It looks vivid and integrated with flfl owing lines and great momentum. Gold and silver inlaying process is super. Skin texture gives strong decoration feeling, which looks brilliant.

Tiger head

Tiger head is distorted to the utmost extent, with squareness in the roundness and symmetry on left and right sides. Tiger ears carry beautiful pattern. Tiger eyes look f e r o c i o u s , a n d t i g e r teeth penetrate into deer body. Such shape not only demonstrates the imposing tiger, but also avoids bloodiness.

Tomb of King of Zhongshan State

Zhongshan State was a “marquis state” founded by Di Ethnic Group in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. In 1974, Tomb of King of Zhongshan State, located in Pingshan County, Hebei , began tobe subject to archaeologists’ excavation, where many treasures were unearthed. Many bronzewares inlaid with gold and silver are among them. They boast unique shape , exquisite pattern and smart structure, which introduce the highly developed craftsmanship at that time.

Square desk inlaid with gold and silver with pattern of dragon and phoenix, unearthed from Tomb of King of Zhongshan State .

Gold and silver inlaying

Gold and silver inlaying is a type of traditional metalwork technique. It originated in the Spring and Autumn Period, and flourished in the Warring States Period, the Qin Dynasty and the Han Dynasty. It refers to embedding gold and silver strings or sheets on the surface of bronzeware to form inscription or pattern. Such artworks show beautiful colors and luxurious styles.

Sculptures of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period

Sculptures of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period are made of ever-increasing materials, while gold, silver, lead, ivory and bone emerged. At this time, bronzeware gradually changed from ritual vessel into daily necessity. Bronze sculptures and production skills matured unprecedentedly. Such artworks feature complex shape and romantic style, without previous grandness and solidness.