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Sword with Ornamental Fittings

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Not on view

Bronze swords first appeared in the Western Zhou (ca. 1046–771 B.C.) and remained in use through the Qin. As metallurgy advanced, blade lengths increased: this one measures about three feet. Chinese swords are longer and thinner than those in the West, rendering them more suitable for striking and stabbing.

Sword with Ornamental Fittings, Bronze, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Sword with Ornamental Fittings, Bronze, China

Sword with Ornamental Fittings, Bronze, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

秦青铜长剑及剑具

Title: Sword with Ornamental Fittings

Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)

Culture: China

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: Overall: W. 1 5/16 in. (3.3 cm); L. 35 13/16 in. (91 cm)
Sword: L. 28 1/8 in. (71.5 cm)
Grip: W. 9/16 in. (1.5 cm)

Classification: Weaponry

Credit Line: Lent by Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

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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.