Ancient gold plaque decorated with symmetrical twin horses

Updated: Feb 9, 2026 China Bound Print

Share - WeChat

Gold plaque ornament decorated with twin horse motifs, Han Dynasty, from the collection of the Palace Museum [Photo/Palace Museum official WeChat account]

Take a closer look at this Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) gold plaque ornament and see if you can find the symmetrical twin horse motifs hidden in its design. This exquisite piece was once worn as a waist ornament by the Xiongnu people, the powerful nomadic confederation of the northern steppes. Crafted using the hammering (repoussé) and chasing technique, this small gold ornament carries big stories of steppe culture, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural exchange. Collection: Palace Museum.

News: China's Hezhen Yimakan storytelling inscribed on UNESCO Representative List; Beijing celebrates three decades of festive symphony; AI takes center stage at Hainan film festival; UMPG China signs exclusive deal with classical composer

Features

Cultural Exchange Shanghai tea salon in London brews cultural ties

Intangible Cultural Heritage Chinese people at home and abroad bond together in ritual ceremony

Ancient gold plaque decorated with symmetrical twin horses

Features

LEAVE YOUR MESSAGE

*Your E-mail Address