TWO GOLD AND SILVER-INLAID BRONZE ORNAMENTS

Warring States Period - Western Han Dynasty

Footnotes

戰國至西漢 錯金銀銅配件 一組兩件

該兩件銅質配件均以錯金銀工藝精製而成，其紋飾分別為變形龍紋與幾何紋。

錯金銀工藝作為中國古代金屬裝飾技藝的重要代表，歷史可追溯至商周時期，于戰國至漢代達到鼎盛，並在後世持續發展傳承。該工藝的核心技法是在銅器表面鏨刻精細凹槽，而後嵌入金、銀絲或片材，經精細打磨拋光後形成璀璨華美的裝飾紋樣。至唐宋時期，此工藝逐漸式微，唐代主要應用於銅鏡、香爐等器物，宋代以後則逐漸被更為經濟的鏨刻或鎏金工藝所取代。錯金銀工藝集中體現了中國古代金屬細工技藝的卓越成就，其通過金銀與青銅材質的冷暖色調對比，營造出獨特的視覺藝術效果。此類銅質錯金銀配件堪稱材料選用、工藝技法與藝術表現三者的完美融合，方寸之間凝聚著古代工匠的非凡智慧與精湛技藝。

Both ornaments are decorated using the gold and silver inlaid technique, featuring a stylised dragon and a geometric pattern, respectively.

As a crucial type of metal decoration in ancient China, the gold and silver inlaid craftsmanship dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, reaching its peak between the Warring States Period and the Han dynasty, and has continued to evolve and be passed down through the ages. The core technique involves chiseling fine grooves into the surface of copperware, then inlaying gold, silver wire, or sheet metal. After meticulous polishing, the craftsmanship creates a dazzling and magnificent decorative pattern. By the Tang and Song dynasties, the technique gradually declined, primarily used on bronze mirrors and incense burners during the Tang dynasty. After the Song dynasty, it was gradually replaced by more economical engraving or gilding techniques. This craftsmanship epitomizes the remarkable achievements of ancient Chinese metalwork, creating a unique visual effect through the contrasting warm and cool tones of gold, silver, and bronze. Ornaments of this type represent a perfect combination of material selection, craftsmanship, and artistic expression, embodying the extraordinary wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.