Garment Hook (daigou), front and back

GARMENT HOOK (DAIGOU) IN THE FORM AF AN ANTHROPOMORPHIC BEAST

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE – 9 CE)
Reportedly from Gushi County, Henan province
Inventory Number: XLIX:I:D.10.

The body of this garment hook is in the form of a bear-like anthropomorphic beast. It holds a sword in its right hand and a shield in its left hand. The lower limbs also appear to be holding weapons, but it is too corroded to see clearly. A bar extends above the beast’s head, and the hook is in the shape of a down-turned animal head. The button that would have attached the garment hook to the belt is located on the back of the beast’s chest.