Description:

East Asia, China, Warring States Period, ca. 475 to 221 BCE. A lovely short sword - known as a duan jian - that is cast from bronze via the lost wax (cire perdue) technique. The stocky sword features a double-edged blade with sharpened peripheries, a prominent midrib, and a pointed tip, all beneath a diamond-shaped hand guard. The smooth-shaft handle would have been pleasing to grip when in use, and a discoid pommel on top ensures that their hand did not accidentally slip off mid-swing. Covered in layers of green, brown, and russet patina, this is a wonderful example of Warring States era weaponry! Size: 21.9" L x 1.9" W x 1.4" H (55.6 cm x 4.8 cm x 3.6 cm)

Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1992.298.2

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#186151

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and nicks to blade, with some crusty patina along blade and handle, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful surface luster and patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 27, 2024 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000