Description:

China, Shang Dynasty, ca. 1558 to 1046 BCE. This is a ge (dagger-axe) blade. The ge was an early pole weapon, with a dagger-shaped blade mounted by its tang to a perpendicular wooden shaft. This particular piece has two man-made holes near the hilt of the dagger, and a circular hole near the hilt along the ridge, as well as another on the square tang; at least one side of the tang shows evidence of having been decorated at one time. This is a very early piece of bronze from China; the beginning discoveries of how to mine and smelt copper and tin to make bronze weapons and tools had taken place around 1700 BCE along the Yellow River in northern China. Size: 7.75" L x 3.3" W (19.7 cm x 8.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#112371

  • Condition: Patina and dirt encrustation;

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February 16, 2016 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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