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Ten Arrows

Qin dynasty (221–206 BC)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
While bronze arrowheads continued to be used during the Qin dynasty, their shape had evolved considerably from earlier eras. These examples, excavated from the mausoleum complex of the First Emperor of Qin, have a triangular cross section that enhanced the arrow’s penetrative force. Iron arrowheads began to be used in the Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 9), gradually replacing bronze ones.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 秦 铜箭镞十枚
  • Title: Ten Arrows
  • Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BC)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: L. 4 7/16–6 7/16 in. (11.3–16.3 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art