Spear head (mao), 1600–1046 BCE
Chinaexpand_more
Grayish white jade with variations of bluish and brown clouds, bronze with green crystal inlayexpand_more
Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsburyexpand_more 50.46.268
Not on Viewexpand_more
A bronze spear head fastened to a long pole would have served as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat. This example, composed of a jade blade and a bronze hilt, was far more rare and would only have had a ceremonial function. The jade spear has a central ridge creating a beveled surface resembling a real spear blade. The surface of the bronze hilt is cast with taotie animal masks inset with green stones. Among the findings at the Shang capital, Anyang, bronze spear heads were common, whereas spears made of bronze and jade, like this one, were rare.
Details
- Title
- Spear head (mao)
- Artist Life
- China
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 50.46.268
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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