Tuning key which was used to tune a stringed musical instrument, most probably a 'qin' (kind of a cither). It is cast in bronze and inlaid with gold and silver wire. It is also decorated with some colored stones, which are glass or carnelian. At one end is a very realistic sinewy dragon. This rare object dates from the Han period (206BC – 221AD). Interesting is the last photo which show the condition in which it entered our collection. Length 17.4 cm. Width 3.2 cm. A similar gilt bronze tuning key was discovered in Guangzhou in 1983 in the tomb of the king of Nanyue. PRICE ON REQUEST.