East Asia, China, Warring States Period, ca. 475 to 221 BCE. A handsome example of a short sword known as a duan jian that is mold-cast from bronze via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique. The stocky blade is of a double-edged style with a prominent midrib running along its length until the pointed tip, and above the shoulder is a crested, trapezoidal hand guard. The rod-form handle bears a pair of thick and close-set ringlets that facilitated a stronger grip for the warrior, and a discoid pommel on top ensures that their hand did not accidentally slip while wielding the weapon. While deadly and functional, finely made bronze weapons such as this sword, were signs of prestige, and used as ceremonial and funerary weapons. Size: 20.25" L x 2" W (51.4 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-private C. Davis collection, Cyprus, Texas, USA, acquired at auction or gallery before 2011

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#169693

Losses to pommel as shown. Stable and shallow cavity on the blade near tip. Age and use expected surface wear. Heavy areas of a rich green and blue patina. Tip is still quite pointed and slightly sharp.