A RARE GOLD-INLAID BRONZE SHORT SWORD

EASTERN ZHOU OR HAN DYNASTY, 3RD/2ND CENTURY B.C.

细节
A RARE GOLD-INLAID BRONZE SHORT SWORD
Eastern Zhou or Han Dynasty, 3rd/2nd Century B.C.
The oval-section hilt cast with two conforming rings and a circular pommel, the short tang joining the blade with central ridge and slightly fluted sides, the tang and blade inlaid in gold with a formalized geometric pattern, the bronze with a dark green patina and small areas of malachite encrustation
16in. (40.6cm.) long

拍品专文

Compare the bronze sword similarly inlaid in gold with an intricate geometric design in the collection of Wang Zenshu, Nanjing, illustrated and discussed by Li Xueqin, "Gems of Bronze Weapons in the Guyue Pavilion", Wenwu, 1993:4, pp. 18-28, col. pl. 2, fig. 2. Compare, also, the partially gilded sword of similar form included in the Hong Kong O.C.S. exhibition, Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, Hong Kong Museum of Art, October 12 - December 2, 1990, and illustrated by Jessica Rawson in the Catalogue, p. 164, pl. 66, which the author describes as "highly unusual"

For another, similar in profile and somewhat similar in decoration, see the sword included in the exhibition, The Art of the Warring States and Han Periods, Christian Deydier, London, 1991, Catalogue, pp. 42-43, no. 9, where the author notes that, according to the classification of the kaogonji book on Eastern Zhou swords compiled in the second century B.C., this type of sword was probably owned by a man of the highest rank. This possibility is confirmed by recent excavations. All the important swords scientifically found were owned by kings (Gou Jian, King of Yue; Fu Chai, King of Wu; King He Lu) and princes (Prince Gu Fa; Prince Liu Sheng)

Another, more elaborately inlaid example, was exhibited by Eskenazi, Ltd., Inlaid Bronze and Related Material from Pre-Tang China, London, June - July, 1991, Catalogue, pp. 78-79, no. 30