Sword

Unknown

5th–4th century BCE · Bronze · Arms and Armor

In its complete state, this excavated bronze sword would have included an integral disk-shaped pommel positioned perpendicularly to the axis of the grip. The double-edged blade bears on one side an inscription that seemingly records the circumstances of the sword's manufacture. However, the execution of the writing suggests that the inscription is either a modern addition or an original text that was defaced when the original characters were engraved over in a misguided attempt to make them clearer.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–4th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Chinese

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1912