China, Han Dynasty, 206 BCE to 220 CE. This is a bronze knife, known as a dao, with blade, guard, and tang; it is missing its perishable handle. The tang ends in a clover shape; the guard has a decorative shape. The blade curves at the end and is sharp on one side. During the Han Dynasty, bronze swords and knives were falling out of favor, as techniques for converting iron to steel improved. However, bronze remained known as a strong metal; a decorative blade like this would most likely have been placed in a grave to accompany its owner in death. Size: 15" L x 2.6" W (38.1 cm x 6.6 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#111642

Patina and some dirt encrustations.