3D Gallery of the IHP

This artifact was unearthed from the large-scale Shang dynasty chariot and horse pit M20 at Hsiao-tun, Yinxu archaeological site. The “zhou” 輈 was a structural component of a chariot that connected the vehicle body to the front. The ornament placed at its upper end, known as a “zhou” finial, served a function somewhat comparable to a logo on a modern automobile. A three-dimensional cast dragon head is connected to a cylindrical socket. Two circular holes, namely mortises, are opposite each other on the top and bottom of the cylinder; and in front of the bottom hole is an additional human-shaped opening. The dragon’s ears flare outward, its two bottle-shaped horns stand erect, its eyes are protruding, and its open mouth reveals serrated teeth. Several areas of the head are inlaid with turquoise geometric motifs, and behind the ears is a turquoise-inlaid kui dragon motif. Both sides of the cylindrical section are likewise embellished with incised kui motifs.

Due to the limit of the technique, the hollow part of this 3D model is not very precise. The model is for reference only.