These large and impressive bronze pieces dates to a fascinating stage in Chinese history known as the Warring States period, which ran from 475 to 221 BC. They are a pair of mounts/handles, which were designed to be mounted on either a chariot or – more likely, given their large size – the door of an elite house. They are essentially identical. Each comprises a sconce decorated with floral and zoomorphic scrollwork in the general form of a dragon’s or lion’s head. The centre is reinforced to provide support for the arched handle that protrudes from the base of the piece. This arcs around so that the far end is contained within a separate ring, decorated with snakes and floral motifs. The patina is deep and comprehensive and has been assessed as genuine by our restorers.

The Warring States were characterised by local warlords’ tendency to invade and hold neighbouring states, leading to the development of seven enormous polities. The leaders of each group adopted the title of king, thus spelling the end of the faltering Zhou dynasty. All the main states were riddled with internal intrigue and power struggles as coalition after coalition failed to stabilise the growing state of anarchy. It was the comparatively minor state of Qin that emerged as a clear leader. By the time the other states had stopped squabbling, the Qin had become so powerful that even their united strength could not overcome it. Although the Qin's status as the most powerful state was assured by 260 BC, it took them until 221 BC to bring about the unification of China under a single yoke.

The martial atmosphere of the period saw a massive acceleration in army technology. Iron replaced bronze as the main material of choice. Chariots became overshadowed by the development of fast-moving cavalry units, and crossbows and dagger axes became very popular, as were trousers, which made their first appearance in about 307 BC. Daoism became widespread, and the philosophy of warfare became a highly developed tradition; Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is still viewed as the ultimate in the genre. Artistically, there was an innovation for the emerging aristocracy, although many stylistic traditions persisted. Regalia for warfare and martial leaders were particularly notable.

These outstanding objects would have graced the property of a very important member of the elite who ruled during these troubled times. They are dynamic and decorative pieces of ancient Chinese art.