Bronze mat weight shaped like of a bird, possibly a phoenix, with its plumage in its beak. It dates from the Western Han period (221BC – 25AD). The weight is filled with a substance which is most probably lead. During the Han period chairs were virtually unknown and influential people sat on large mats on the floor. Mat weights were used to weigh down the corners of straw or bamboo sitting mats to prevent them from curling up. Length 68 mm. Width 58 mm. The weight is 417 grams.