東周 戰國 Warring States to E. Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C. - 256 B.C.), Chinese archaic ancient belt bronze buckle /hook with a head of dragon, holding a “pearl of wisdom” Length: 103 mm; Weight: 36.50 g; Condition: Very good condition for the age, with genuine patina and rust Provenance: private collection in St Petersburg, Florida, USA The dragon also symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. Its serpentine form and often depicted with a pearl, which represents wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual essence. The dragon's wisdom is seen as celestial or divine, a wisdom that transcends earthly understanding and is often sought by heroes in myths and legends. Similar sale on Sotheby’s: A gold-inlaid bronze belt hook, Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period | 東周 戰國 銅錯金獸面紋帶鉤 Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000 USD; https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/china-5000-years/a-gold-inlaid-bronze-belt-hook-eastern-zhou?locale=en Sotheby’s, March 28, 2023