**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. An ancient Chinese leaded-bronze ge or halberd blade. The ge is considered the most characteristic weapon of ancient China, having been wielded by warriors during the early Dynasties of Shang, Zhou and Han. Its use in war was restricted to only this most ancient period of Chinese civilization, as such its distinctive form has come to be seen as symbolic of this golden age. The blade was designed as one component of a type of halberd known as a ji, a composite weapon made from a double mounting of the ge with a mao (spear) set above it on a single pole. This provided a greater versatility in application since a ji armed warrior could thrust with the spear point and hook or puncture with the dagger-axe blade. This ge has a rich and vibrant green patina! Size: 7.675" L x 4" H (19.5 cm x 10.2 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-J. S. collection, Rhode Island, USA

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#162165

Repaired with butt end reattached to blade. Visible break line and loss to socketing areas below butt end. Minor nicks to blade. Rich green patina.