Untitled

Unknown

7th–9th century · Gold · Asian Art

The nomadic communities of Central Asia used such plaques to embellish clothing and horse trappings. As these nomadic cultures herded animals and were constantly moving, their artistic production was expressed in portable objects that marked the wearer’s status and wealth. The outstanding preservation of these fragile ornaments suggests they were used in conjunction with burials, where the body was aggrandized with valuable textiles and augmented with gold. Although it is difficult to date and place these objects geographically, their presence in Central Asia and has a long, established history.

Artist

Unknown

Date

7th–9th century

Medium

Gold

Culture

China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Central Asia)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Purchase, The Vincent Astor Foundation Gift, 2002