Spearhead and Storage Case (清 矛頭)

Unknown

17th–18th century · Steel, gold, leather, copper, possibly cork, wood · Arms and Armor

With its pure form and clean lines, this spearhead shows a level of quality and refinement usually reserved for the best sword blades and seldom found on spears or other staff weapons. At the base of its socket there is a braided ring realistically chiseled in high relief. Engraved just above it is a design of a mountains and waves, a symbol of longevity called the Islands of the Immortals.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–18th century

Medium

Steel, gold, leather, copper, possibly cork, wood

Culture

spearhead, Chinese or Mongolian; case, Tibetan

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 2000