Bird Cage Hook

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Bird Cage Hook

18th - 19th century

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Official script characters ornament the four sides of the hook and the upper left-hand corner of the base of this delicately designed functional object. Both text and image refer to the Three Kingdoms epic, which features three famous second-century A.D. friends who swore an oath to fight side by side and live and die together. The illustration shows one of them, Kuan Yü, faithfully guarding the two wives of another, Liu Pie.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Bird Cage Hook

Date:

18th - 19th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Bronze with gold inlay

Dimensions:

Hook: 5 1/2 × 1 15/16 inches (14 × 5 cm) Base: 1 3/4 × 1 3/4 inches (4.5 × 4.5 cm)

Classification:

Tools/Equipment

Credit Line:

Purchased with Museum funds, 1970

Accession Number:

1970-272-1

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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