An ancient Chinesebronzehalberd blade orge(戈), dating to the Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.- 220 A.D.
The ge is considered the most characteristic weapon of ancient China, having beenwielded by warriors during the early Dynasties of Shang, Zhou and Han. Its use in war was restricted to only this most ancient period of Chinese civilization,as suchits distinctive formhas come to be seen assymbolic of this golden age. Examples from the Han period are amongst the verylatest examples, assuch this piece represents the final flourish of an iconic Chinese weapon type.
The brutal power of this weapon is clear,the bladeof typical\'bird head\' shape, with a rectangularreverse and tang, pierced for attachment tothewooden haft, now long since perished.
Theblade was designed as one component ofa type of halberd known as aji(戟), a compositeweapon made from a double mounting of the ge with a mao (spear) set above it on a single pole. This provided a greater versatility in application since a ji armed warrior could thrust with the spear point and hook or puncture with the dagger-axe blade.
The dagger-axe came to particular prominence during the great conflicts of the laterWarring States period.Despite its endemic conflict the Warring States Period was a flourishing one, a fertile age for culture and thought. The political turmoil, economic change and intellectual ferment that laid the foundations for the first Chinese Empirewas ultimately carried on the back of weapons such as this.
Length:7 inches.
Condition: Excellent. Unrestored.
Provenance:
Formerly part of a prominent American private collection of ancient art,previously with Doyle of New York.
Please note: This is a genuine and valuable ancient Chinese bronze weapon. This piece is offered for sale without reserve to promote our extensive inventory of antiquities and ancient coins.
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