Horse harness fittings - Medallions - (2411)
[2411]

Three medallions which originally formed part of the harness of a horse. Leather straps could be pulled cross-wise through the brackets at the back. The fittings are truly exceptional as two different bronze-alloys, of which one contains more tin or could even be silver, were used during the casting process. Depicted in great detail on these fittings are two writhing reptilians. The backs of the creatures and the ‘pearls’ on the rim are inlaid with a copper-like bronze which contrasts beautifully with the silvery shine of the rest. The diameter of the medallions is 3.5 cm. During the Warring States period (475 – 221 BC) from which these fittings date, artisans were already able to create bronze objects of different alloys. Swords and spears were for instance cast with a cutting edge which was much harder than the rest of the weapon. See for instance the sword 2424 and the spear blades 2416 and 2420.
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