A silver-inlaid bronze ferrule


Late Eastern Zhou dynasty, 3rd century BCECast with a flat end and an almond shaped opening, with a raised band at its mid-section, the body inlaid with silver in abstract bird forms.4 7/8in (12.5cm) high
|東周晚期 公元前三世紀 銅錯銀鐏Provenance:Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987) Collection Christie's New York, 1 December 1994, lot 41 Two types of ferrule were common in the Warring States period, one terminating in a hoof-shape - dun, and the other with a flat bottom - zun, as with the present example. Designed to cap a halberd or spear, ferrules were lavishly inlaid with silver, turquoise or gold, a luxurious testament to the owner's prestige and elite status in society.