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P. 305
473 The states of Wu and Yue in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were
A gold and silver-inlaid bronze spearhead renowned for their remarkable decoration on spearheads and swords.
Late Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Chu culture Numerous new techniques for making decorative geometric patterns
The pronounced central ridge with straight sides tapering to a sharp were invented at the time and many of these weapons were also
point, the elongated conical shaft adorned with gold and silver inlays embellished with gold and silver inlay. Widespread circulation of such
of archaistic ‘C’-clouds and triangular motifs that terminate at the half- precious possessions indicates their prestige, since spearheads cast for
crescent rim exposing the hollow interior, a raised loop on one side of the States of Wu or Yue were not only discovered in areas controlled by
the cylinder possibly intended for attaching a tassel. Chu, but also much further up north in Shanxi. Their high status in these
23.5cm long. peripheral areas presaged developments that were to affect all parts of
HK$60,000 - 80,000 China in the last two centuries of the Eastern Zhou.
US$7,700 - 10,000
A similar example is illustrated by Jessica Rawson & Emma Bunker,
東周晚期 楚文化 錯金銀雲紋矛 Ancient Chinese and Ordos Bronzes, jointly presented by the Oriental
Ceramic Society of Hong Kong and the Urban Council of Hong Kong,
Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 12 October to 2 December
1990, pp.190 & 191, no.63. See also another related spearhead dated
to the Warring States period, unearthed at Haojiayan, Qingjian county,
Shaanxi province in 1987, in the Suide County Museum, Shaanxi
province, illustrated in Bronzes from Northern Shaanxi. Volume IV,
Chengdu, 2009, p.637, accession no.TD427.
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