Sword and Scabbard
Culture
Chinese
, Han Dynasty
DateHan Dynasty (221 B.C.E.–25 C.E.)
Mediumiron, wood and fabric
DimensionsAs preserved: 0.6 × 0.1 (25 3/16 × 1 15/16 × 9/16 in.), 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.305
DescriptionIn greatly reduced condition. Presently protected by plastic cover, thus description based on indirect examination. Tang stub 0.035 cm. long extends above sword guard. Jade guard, lozenge-shaped in section. Upper edge of sword guard has rectangular notch; lower edge is shallow chevron. Incised on guard is tiger head. Blade and scabbard nearly completely consolidated. Under magnification it is possible to see fabric fibers, wood grain and deteriorated iron. There appears to be a stabilizing brown coating applied to the exterior surface of the wood.ProvenancePurchased by J.W. Higgins Armory from Herbert J. Devine, 59 East 57th Street, New York, New York on May 14, 1936, lot H-915A. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
Utagawa Kunisada I 歌川 国貞 (Toyokuni III 三代 豊国)
late 1822
