Bronze Element Inlaid With Gold And Silver. China Han Dynasty.

Cast bronze element inlaid with gold and silver motifs, covering an iron rod. Chinese work, Han dynasty (-200 to +200). It can be an element of a chariot, or the tip of a spear or a ritual object. The quality of workmanship and materials has allowed the inlays to survive the centuries despite the significant two-millennium oxidation, even the finishing lacquer layer is still visible. A heavily oxidized piece of the iron rod remains, which can be seen sticking out. Excellent patina. Good condition, solid, no restoration, very oxidized iron, lack of inlays as can be seen in the photos.