As the Year of the Horse begins, spring ushers in good fortune. Bank of China, along with the National Museum of China, invites you to explore prized artifacts and embrace the blessings of Chinese New Year.

Artifact: Gold buyao (a dangling hair ornament) in the shape of a horse head with deer antlers  

Height: 16.2 cm  

Weight: 70 g  

Dynasty: Northern Dynasty (386–581)  

Discovered in 1981 in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The buyao was a significant type of hair ornament for women in ancient China. It gets its name because these ornaments sway and tremble with each step the wearer takes. First mentioned in historical records from the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), buyao became a prevalent accessory during the Wei (220–265) and Jin (265–420) dynasties. Its popularity reached beyond the Central Plains to nomadic peoples in North China. This golden ornament, designed like a horse head with deer antlers, is a great example of the ornamental tradition of ancient nomadic cultures.

In this festive season, the piece symbolizes strength and dynamism traditionally associated with the horse, offering auspicious wishes for the year ahead.