CURVED bronze CHAR ELEMENT, decorated with cicadas, stylized qilongs and leiwen; one movable bell. Visible cracks, strong patina from excavation, malachite and azurite crystallizations. China, Shang dynasty (ca. 1550-1050 B.C.). H. 24 cm This type of element was used to attach a horse's reins to a chariot, leaving the driver's hands free. Such elements were found in the tomb of Queen Fu Hao of the Shang.

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