Minneapolis Institute of Art

Tube, one of a pair

China

Date

11th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

These tubular objects would have functioned as components of a chariot. During China’s Bronze Age, a chariot not only served as a vehicle but a symbol of wealth and power—they were always buried with the deceased kings and nobles. For this reason, chariot components were exquisitely designed and often decorated with the same motifs seen on ritual bronze vessels. In these examples, broad strips divide the tubes’ decoration into four sections. Along one vertical strip is an open slot. Within the four oblong spaces, there is a dragon in profile, facing the closed end. Asia

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