Artwork preview

Short Sword with Birds' Heads on the Handle

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Short Sword with Birds' Heads on the Handle by unknown artist. The object is a short sword or dagger with a bronze or copper color and a green patina. The sword is long and narrow with a pointed tip. The blade is flat and straight. The handle is short with two bird's head designs on either side near the top. The bird's heads are facing outwards. A hole is visible on the handle near the top. The handle's top is shaped like a mushroom, with two curved parts on either side.

Artwork Details

Date
6th–5th century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Culture
North China and south-central Inner Mongolia
Dimensions
362 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette