Western Zhou dynasty (1046-771 BC)
Length 13. 2 cm, Width 5.4 cm
Excavated at tomb M2001 Guo state tombs, Sanmenxia, Henan Province. 1990

This work has a flat rectangular shape, symmetrical teeth at the top and on both sides, and features corresponding decorative schemes on each side. I he upper section features an incised phoenix design with a high crest, round eyes and curved beak The lower section features an incised dragon design with rectangular eyes. There is also a round hole piercing the lower extremity of the work.

The pair of interlocking incised dragon and phoenix designs are characteristic of the era. They employ highly curved lines in fluid spirals, as if carved in a single motion. The adoption of pictorial, rather than more abstract designs, reflects the aesthetic preferences of the Western Zhou, a stylistic trend that developed from the artistry of the Shang through to the Han.