Pair of Dagger-Axes (Ge)

Chinese

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 370

This pair of dagger-axes (ge) represent a later developmental stage, in which the three principal elements––yuan, hu, and nui––became longer and more slender in proportion, their edges describing both gentle curves and perfectly straight edges in a balanced juxtaposition. This refinement coincided with the decline of the ge as the foremost of offensive weapons toward the end of the Western Han dynasty. The delicate painted lacquer decoration further emphasizes the ornamental function of these pieces and suggests that they may have been made purely for ceremonial use or specifically as grave goods for the tomb of a high ranking military official.

Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese

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Inner side of 2000.262a

Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese
Pair of Dagger-Axes (<i>Ge</i>), Bronze, lacquer, Chinese

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