Over 200 exquisite belt hooks shined in Kunming Museum on Oct 20, epitomizing 3,000-year-old Chinese historic culture.

The use of belt hooks dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC) and prospered during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

A visitor to the Kunming Museum takes a picture of a beautiful ancient belt hook with a history of over 3,000 years on Oct 20. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Belt hooks, widely used by the ancient noble classes and noted public figures, were finely made with elaborate texture and reflect the great skill of Chinese craftsmen.

The hooks on display are made of animal bones, colored glazes, bronze, iron and jade, and are often in the shape of waterfowls and animals.

The products are all collections of Huang Hong, professor of National Defense University PLA China. His 30-year devotion to Chinese artwork collection has preserved a large number of Chinese cultural relics.

“I like collecting those things that others abandon,” Huang said.

He was totally amazed by the beauty of belt hooks and started collecting them in the late 1980s when their cultural values were still neglected

He now owns 400 fine belt hooks.

Huang’s antique collection extends to Chinese porcelain pillows and tea sets and has been widely displayed, including in Beijing, Shanghai and Yunnan province.

He has also publicized cultural relics through publishing eight picture albums and writing many research articles.

Edited by Peter Nordlinger