Hello,

Your item is a pair of antique Chinese bronze door handles, displaying intricate detailing with remnants of gold gilding. These handles feature ornamental designs, likely influenced by Chinese symbolism and artistic motifs, indicating their use as both functional and decorative elements on doors of a significant structure, such as a temple or wealthy household.

Historical Context:

The intricate design and craftsmanship suggest these handles may originate from the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) or a later period emulating Han aesthetics. During this time, bronze was widely utilized for practical objects and decorative arts. The addition of gilding indicates the importance of the structure these handles were attached to, as gilding was a costly process typically reserved for high-status objects. The corrosion visible is consistent with the patina developed over centuries, which further attests to their age and authenticity.