Set of Four Ferrules

SET OF FOUR FERRULES

Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (475 – 221 BCE)
Reportedly discovered in Shouzhou (centered in present-day Shou County, Anhui province)
Inventory number: XLIX:I:A.n.c.01.

Each of these hollow ferrules gently curves ourwards into animal heads. The top of the sleeve starts with a register of a twisted rope-like pattern, followed by S-shaped spirals and triangular peaks and a final register of the twisted rope-like pattern. These types of ferrules are a known type of shape, but their exact function is still unknown. It is possible they were part of the canopy of chariots.