Artwork preview

Short Sword and Sheath with Animal Motifs

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a short sword and sheath with animal motifs. The sword's blade is long and narrow with a pointed tip, made of a weathered bronze or metal material. The handle is decorated with animal designs including birds and other creatures, likely from the Shang Dynasty. The guard is thin and flat. The sheath is on the right. The sheath is decorated with similar animal motifs to the sword and has two small loops for a belt. The background of the image is a solid light purple color. The artist and title of the piece are not visually represented.

Artwork details

Date:
7th–6th century BCE
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
Northeast China
Dimensions:
360 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette