MILLON
1
-
CHINA, Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC)
Archaic bronze halberd b…
See original version (French)
1
-
CHINA, Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC)
Archaic bronze halberd b…
See original version (French)
Estimate €400 - €600
Voluntary lot
Description
CHINA, Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC)
Archaic bronze halberd blade of the "ge" type
The slightly curved side blade is extended by a rectangular tang designed to fit over a wooden shaft, which is now missing. The tang bears inscriptions in archaic characters, which are now very faded and illegible. The blade appears to have been decorated, with the decoration now largely faded and difficult to read. The surface has a significant brown-green crusty patina, marked by concretions and traces of old oxidation.
Height: 29.5 cm
Width: 15 cm
The "ge" is one of the most emblematic weapons of archaic China, widely used from the Shang and Zhou dynasties onwards, and still in use under the Qin and Han. It was used in the "ji" halberd, a composite weapon combining a "ge" blade and a "mao" spear point, attached to the same shaft. This device offered great versatility, making it possible to deliver thrusting blows as well as hooking or piercing blows. A symbol of the weaponry of the earliest Chinese civilisations, this type of weapon bears witness to the development of metallurgical techniques and military organisation in the pre-imperial and nascent imperial periods.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like