Han Dynasty Bronze Dagger-Axe, China (3154B-BHK) $495

Description

The Chinese ge is a dagger-axe first developed as an ancient weapon in the Shang dynasty and utilized through the Han dynasty. The Han dynasty was the first unified Chinese empire in China. During this era military weapons were produced in vast numbers and the dagger-axe (ge) was used very prolifically. After the appearance of chariots and tightly packed military formations, its use virtually disappeared. The earliest dagger-axes were made of stone; later ones were made of bronze; and even later versions were made in jade and precious materials for ceremonial purposes. In general, dagger-axes have been found without a shaft as they decomposed or were removed. Ceremonial jade daggers were sometimes found in the tombs of Chinese nobles, aristocrats, and the wealthy and often within their coffins suggesting they were symbols of power, high status, and had ritual significance. Others were found below the coffin in the possession of a servant or victim sacrificed in order to guard the tomb, the deceased, and  their soul safe in the afterlife.