Bronze Bear-Shaped Ornament, Han Dynasty

A small, compact bronze figure of a bear seated and hunched forward, with a rounded head, small ears and a smooth, blocky body. Green patina and traces of gold-toned surface cover the metal, showing wear and oxidation across the form against a plain grey backdrop.

Artist

Unknown

Date

206 BCE-220 CE

Medium

Bronze with gilding

Source

Smithsonian (National Museum of Asian Art)

Size

3166 × 4000 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Asian Art