Artwork preview

Short Sword and Sheath with Crouching Feline

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Short Sword and Sheath with Crouching Feline by Unknown. The object has a rusted brown color with a darker patina in some areas. The handle at the top is cylindrical with a rounded end with four holes through it. The top section of the handle has decorative elements resembling a snarling face. The handle transitions into a cylindrical section with an etched pattern around the middle. The blade features an intricate latticework design with a repeating geometric pattern. Green inlays are present throughout the latticework on the blade. The sheath's latticework extends to form a guard below the handle. The blade tapers to a point at the bottom. The background of the image is light purple.

Artwork details

Date:
10th–8th century BC
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
Northeast China
Dimensions:
164 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette