A Rare Warring States Bronze Tiger Tali, c.476-221 BC, cast in two pieces, inscribed with text, China, 10 x 4 cm (2) Note: These Talis cast in the image of a tiger and inscribed with script were often used by the Emperor to confer military powers to his ministers, Cast in two pieces, an officer would only accept the written order as valid when the two parts were fitted together completing the inscription