Ge (dagger-axe)

Culture Chinese

Dateabout 800–250 BCE (Eastern Zhou Dynasty)

Mediumcast and wrought bronze

Dimensions22.5 × 10.2 × 0.6 cm (8 7/8 × 4 × 1/4 in.), 9.35 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.606

DescriptionBronze halberd, originally silver-colored, probably cast and wrought. Flat blade swept on one side at tip; beveled on all edges & perforated down center with chevron design. Ridge separates blade from the handle. Part above blade is flat & decorated with figure of crouching animal; figure defined partly by sculptural shaping & perforations, partly by engraving. Eyes were perhaps once inlaid with gemstone (eg. turquoise).
Label TextMounted on long wooden shafts, these blades were used by infantry and charioteers alike. In many cases, the shaft was also fitted with a spear tip. The sharp blade could deliver a powerful piercing blow, or it could be used like a scythe, sweeping at the legs of horses, cutting bridles and reins, or pulling riders off their mounts and vehicles. In some instances, two or three blades were mounted on the same staff.ProvenanceYamanaka & Co., Inc. New York. Sold by order of the Amien Property Custodian of the United States. Purchased by J.W. Higgins Armory rfom Parke-Bernet galleries New York, sale on June 15, 1944. HAM 2767-2771 were all part of Lot 508, Parke-Bernet Sale 579 (liquidation of Yamanaka and Co), 6/14/44. Catalogue in HAM library. No identifying photos or descriptions. Price paid for lot. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014

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