Date: Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC)
Provenance: Excavated in Xiaoshuangqiao, Zhengzhou, Henan province, 1989
Measurements: Height: 18.5 cm, Frontal width: 16.3 cm, Side width: 18.8 cm

The front of this object is almost square, if one overlooks its slightly concave shape, and there are rectangular holes in each of its two sides. The front side is decorated with single-line taotie patterns, while the rectangular holes are encircled with depictions of dragons and tigers in combat. In addition to its exquisite decoration, the modelling of this decorative piece is unique; it is the earliest bronze building component to have been discovered in China. It was likely a decorative object, one which would have been placed at either end of a wooden beam in the palace, where it served to reinforce the structural stability. The clearly visible and beautiful taotie design also illustrates the aesthetic tastes of Shang artisans.