c. 475 BC – 221 BC. Warring States Period. Bronze spearhead with leaf-shaped, lentoid-section blade and central midrib. The guard comprises an openwork figure-of-eight motif, connecting a rectangular handle; a figure figure-of-eight motif makes up the pommel; these features, which are covered in scale-like details, may be intended to recall the nostrils or wings of a dragon. The handle is covered with intricate incised motifs. The Warring States Period was an era of Chinese history characterised by extensive and ongoing conflict between a multitude of statelets and kingdoms which ultimately culminated in the Qin state’s victory and the first unification of China into a single empire. Excellent condition with a beautiful patina; on a custom-made stand.Size: L:332mm / W:45mm ; 325g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.