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Short Sword

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)

Not on view

Short swords were used in hand-to-hand combat. As the present example attests, the workmanship of these weapons during the Western Han dynasty was impeccable. Both sides of the blade are inlaid with gold, with one side depicting flames and the other, clouds. Its exquisite decoration designates it as a luxury item for nobles.

Short Sword, Iron inlaid with gold, China — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

西汉贴金铁匕首

Title: Short Sword

Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)

Culture: China

Medium: Iron inlaid with gold

Dimensions: W. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm); L. 14 7/16 in. (36.7 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Lent by Hebei Provincial Museum

Accession Number: SL.1.2017.20.6

The Met

Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.