Bronze axle cap which dates from the ‘Spring & Autumn’ period (770 – 476BC). The axle cap is obviously corroded and has some tiny holes in line with its stay underground for a few thousand years but the linchpin is in perfect condition. This particular linchpin is exceptional because it depicts a small tiger sitting on top of a buffalo head. This is quite rare and we have not seen a similar subject on a linchpin before. Axle cap length 13.5 cm. Linchpin length 10 cm. For an almost identical set see the January – February 2011 edition of ‘Arts of Asia’ (page 85). Last mentioned set is in the Long County Museum in Shanxi.