An important and very fine archaic bronze blade
The flat blade tapers at the waist in a slight s-shape to a fine point, decorated in relief with a pierced Taotie mask and a short band of incised Leiwen motifs, with a fine central ridge and a flat rectangular hilt.
Length: 22.2cm
Style of: Shang (13th – 11th century BC) Antiques Analytics states 'the analysis of metal and patina do not support a production in the Shang Dynasty' (Sample AA 18-08066)
http://sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/arts-asie-pf1317/lot.206.html. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19305/lot/518