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East Asia, China, Warring States period to early Han Dynasty, ca. 400 BCE to 200 CE. A fasincating example of a bronze dagger, cast from two pieces. One is the long, tapering, triangular blade with pronounced mid-rib. The other, cast onto it, is a handle with a crescent-shaped guard and a spiraled handle topped by a rounded, ovoid pommel that probably once had an inlay of turquoise, gold, or silver. The handle is truly a work of art. Size: 2.05″ W x 11.85″ H (5.2 cm x 30.1 cm); 4.3″ H (10.9 cm) on included custom stand.
This blade was made during a time of flux in Chinese society, when kingdoms and warlords traded land constantly, and finely made weapons such as this one were signs of prestige. It was also a time of transition in weapon technology, as Chinese craftsmen refined the methods of iron smelting and began to make iron (steel) weapons, which were preferable in battle to bronze ones – but bronze remained a valuable material, used in ceremonial and funerary weapons.
Condition: Encrusted, bright turquoise patina over much of the body of the piece. The edges of the blade are corroded and jagged. Nicely preserved form, especially the handle.
Provenance: ex John Piscopo Collection, San Diego, California, USA
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