Scythian Bronze Openwork Applique

Culture: Ordos

Period: 5th-4th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 4 cm x 3.6 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 5090

Provenance: Private collection New York, acquired approximately 20 years ago at the English art market. Last in an auction house in New York.

Condition: One ring of the male animal broken, otherwise intact.

Description: Bronze belt fitting depicting two wild copulating animals, possibly stylized deers. The mouths of the animals are closely facing each other. The male animal rests its front paws on the buttock of the female animal. Both are carrying circular antlers and are standing on a flat base. The circular antlers were possibly used for stitching the fitting on a leather belt. Bronzes like the present one are attributed to the so-called Ordos culture in the south of Inner Mongolia. From the 6th to 2nd century B.C. the region was under Caucasian influence, where during this period the most eastern settled population of the Scythians was based.