Pair of small bronze parasol-ends which were originally part of a much larger set of ten to fifteen. They date from the Warring States period (475-221BC) and the detailed decoration is typical of that period. Once upon a time they were attached at the ends of the ribs of an umbrella or parasol which was placed on a miniature chariot for use in the hereafter. A silk cover was attached to the hooks of these items. In fact, the Chinese invented the parasol as we still know it today. Length 6.2 cm.