Warring States period (475-22l BC)
Height 8.3 cm, Length 22.5 cm, Width 12.2 cm
Excavated at Pingliang Tai, Huaiyang, Henan Province

Chariot-shaft heads are decorative objects used to embellish the front end of the chariot shaft. This chariot-shaft head is cylindrical with one end closed, which is shaped like a dragon's head. The dragon has an open mouth baring its teeth, and a pair of large round eyes. The forehead at the front and the neck at the rear are both pierced with rectangular holes, used to fix the head onto the chariot shaft. The centre of the neck is inlaid with silver in a diamond shape, and the face and neck both feature coiled cloud patterns produced with silver inlay. The nose and ears are both inlaid with gold.

When excavated this object was found at the front end of the shaft of chariot No.7. It is an ingenious piece of design, and beautifully produced. The craftsmanship of the inlay is extremely delicate and fluid, enriching the decoration of the dragon's head. All elements of this piece, from its modelling to its decoration, comprehensively illustrate the refinement of Warring States period gold and silver inlay techniques.