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Crouching Tigers, Coiled Dragons
These growling tigers were purportedly unearthed in 1923 at Baoji in the capital district of the Western Zhou dynasty (circa 1050–770 BCE), which ruled northern China. No similar pieces have been found since then.
The specific function of these creatures is a mystery. Each solid-cast tiger weighs about 50 pounds (23 kilograms), suggesting they may have been made to carry a heavy structure on their backs. Common animals in south China, tigers were viewed as exotic beasts in the north. This may have made them an attractive subject for the base of a rack of bells, possibly imported or inspired by southern models. |