War Fan (Gunbai) with Concealed Spear Blade
Not on view
Military commanders used a type of fixed fan, called a war fan (gunbai), to signal soldiers on the battlefield. The silver mounts of this example are engraved with flowers against a stippled background, and the lower section of the shaft, which is detachable, is mounted with a concealed steel blade—an unusual feature that would have appealed to Western collectors.
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