Short Sword from the Han Dynasty in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Short Sword

Period: Western Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 9)

Culture: China

Medium: Iron inlaid with gold

Dimensions: W. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm); L. 14 7/16 in. (36.7 cm)

Classification: Metalwork

Credit Line: Lent by Hebei Provincial Museum


Short swords were used in hand-to-hand combat. As the present example attests, the workmanship of these weapons during the Western Han dynasty was impeccable. Both sides of the blade are inlaid with gold, with one side depicting flames and the other, clouds. Its exquisite decoration designates it as a luxury item for nobles.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/696259