Description:

China, Warring States Period, 475 to 221 BCE. An excellent example of an ancient sword type. The narrow, straight blade is bronze, cast in one piece with a guard, grip, and pommel; the guard is bronze. This type of sword is called a jian, a double-edged straight sword that has been used in China for 2500 years; this is a fairly short, one-handed version of the type. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.75" W x 18.75" H (4.4 cm x 47.6 cm)

This style of hilt - with the twin rings around the grip, a small guard, and a round pommel that may once have had something inset atop it - is classic of the Warring States period. We know of some examples that had turquoise set into the pommel and studded along the guard - it is interesting to imagine this piece with similar decoration when originally made.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection formed over the period between 1980 and 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.

#119824

  • Condition: Shape is excellent; rough green patina overall with very slight nicks to the blade edge.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

February 9, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% 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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000