c. 475 BC – 221 BC. Warring States Period. Bronze pole weapon featuring a hooked frontal blade with midrib and circular socket for attaching to a wooden handle. A secondary rectangular blade projects to the rear. Weapons such as this would have permitted infantry to fight at arm’s length and disrupt the formations of opposing armies. 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; beautiful patina; on a custom-made stand. Size: L:96mm / W:165mm ; 125g Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.