Abstract
In Spring 2021, I was invited by the Art Museum in the Chinese University of Hong Kong to lead a curatorial project, “Cast for Dignity: Early Chinese Garment Hooks from the De-Neng-Tang Collection.” A compelling hook in the warehouse immediately captured my attention. This hook is cast in iron, gigantic, measuring 25.5 centimeters in length, and six centimeters in width. Its crest carries a slightly worn figurine, usually called a “dragon,” yet its resemblance to the acknowledged horse motif may alert the potential abuse of this taken-for-granted term. Having said that, nobody would deny the clearly “Chinese” aura of such a solemn zoomorphic head modelled in the round and inlaid with gold and silver. When looking at the representational patterns on the surface of the hook body, however, the sheer indigenous tonality declines: overpowered by an aggressive tiger is a swordsman with markedly non-Chinese look, perhaps a Steppic fighter. My visual memories were thereupon aroused, bringing me a few comparable hooks and a multitude of relevant artifacts. This paper reviews the authenticity of this intriguing iron hook and relevant images witnessing the most profound artistic revolution in early Chinese history.
Presenters
Peng PengAssistant Professor, Faculty of Arts, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Devouring Predator, Steppe Warrior, Garment Hooks, Early China, Bronze, Iron
