Chinese Bronze Sword, Spring and Autumn to Warring

An archaic Chinese bronze sword dating from the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period with an 18th century carved jade handle. The sword features a 5-character inscription that reads 'Tao Gong You Zhuan Pin.' The handle features flowers.

Dimensions: 19 1/2 inches tall X 2 1/2 inches wide; 49.5 cm tall X 6.4 cm wide. Weight: 550 grams. All measurements are approximate.

Condition: There is an old repair in the blade with age appropriate wear. The jade has natural seams and inclusions.

Provenance: From the collection of Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper, item number B53. Walter Thomas Gaze Cooper, known colloquially as Gaze Cooper (English, 1895-1981) was a musician, composer, and collector extraordinaire. He was reputed to have one of the most valuable collections of Chinese antiques in the UK. A similar Shaoya bronze sword can be found in the Beijing Palace Museum, number 229975. A similar Warring States period bronze sword was sold at Christie's New York on September 25, 2020 as lot 1521. A turquoise-inlaid bronze sword was sold at Christie's New York on September 16, 2010 as lot 825.

High resolution images can be found here.