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Dagger-axe (ge) with dragons
ca. 1300-1200 B.C.E.


Late Shang dynasty
Early Anyang period

Bronze with turquoise inlay
H: 9.6 W: 41.1 cm
Anyang, China

Purchase F1950.9

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Tiny turquoise mosaics define the coiled dragons, with beaked head, three-clawed paw, and spiraling tail, on the projecting tang of this dagger-axe. X-radiographs of this object reveals it was assembled from different pieces that might not have belonged together originally and were pinned and soldered in place in modern times. These repairs explain the disorderly areas of turquoise inlay.