Chariot Fitting, 3rd-2nd century BCE, 16-7/16 x 2-3/16 x 2-3/16 in. (41.8 x 5.6 x 5.6 cm), Bronze with silver inlay, China, 3rd-2nd century BCE, This extraordinary ornamental fitting was made for the central coupling of a wood shaft supporting the umbrella-like canopy over the chariot of an imperial prince or high ranking dignitary. The production of such complex designs in precious metals inlaid in bronze was an innovation of the Warring States period (480-221 b.c.). This was the era when painted lacquer designs began to influence the designs of the bronze industry, especially those of inlaid bronze which, like the lacquer it imitated, achieved highly decorative effects.