Spearhead (明/清 矛頭)
Not on view
Despite its heavy surface patina, this spearhead is very similar to another example in The Met's collection (acc. no. 2000.206a, b) for the form of its blade and the presence of a realistic braided ring rendered in chiseled steel (here at the midpoint, rather than the base of the socket). At its base there is a collar of stylized lotus petals and a ring of the trefoil-like ruyi motif. The surface above this is damascened in gold with simplified designs of flaming pearls and mountains and waves.
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