ticketsMember | Make a donation

Crescent-Shaped Ax Head (Chandrasa)

ca. 500 BCE–300 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 244
The flamboyant curved blade and asymmetrically placed splayed socket of this piece are typical of works from Java and Sulewasi, produced in full size and as miniatures, and used as funerary gifts and for ceremony and display. Axes are often carried by the feathered warriors depicted on drums and situlae from the Dongson culture of Vietnam, and late Dongson ax heads with pediform or boat-like shaped are other thought to have provided prototypes for the exaggerated examples produced in Indonesia.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Crescent-Shaped Ax Head (Chandrasa)
  • Period: Bronze and Iron Age period
  • Date: ca. 500 BCE–300 CE
  • Culture: Indonesia
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Approx. L. 24 in. (61 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Samuel Eilenberg Collection, Bequest of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998
  • Object Number: 2000.284.49
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Ax Head with Human Body, Bronze, Indonesia (Roti Island)
Ax Head with Human Body
Indonesia (Roti Island)
ca. 500 BCE–300 CE
Ceremonial Object in the Shape of an Ax, Bronze alloy, Indonesia, possibly Sulawesi
Ceremonial Object in the Shape of an Ax
Indonesia, possibly Sulawesi
ca. 100 BCE–300 CE
Box for Betel Leaves, Bronze, Indonesia (Sulawesi)
Box for Betel Leaves
Indonesia (Sulawesi)
ca. 500 BCE–300 CE
Weapon Handle with Ganesha, Gold, Indonesia (Java)
Weapon Handle with Ganesha
Indonesia (Java)
early 9th–14th century
Enthroned Buddha Attended by the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani, Bronze, Indonesia (Java)
Enthroned Buddha Attended by the Bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani
Indonesia (Java)
second half of the 10th century

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.