SWORD AND SHEATH

Description The sword is composed of a cone-shaped hilt (hollow inside) and a broad double-winged blade with a central raised line and shapr cuts. Numerous streaks are visible on the surface, due to cleaning and sharpening of the blade. The hilt is practically non-existent: the transition from the blade to the handle is marked only by a thin raised line. The handle has a very flared and flat, circular shape. Inside some terracotta residues are still visible. The sheath is made of two, very thin, wooden slats joined by silk threads that wrap it tightly. Layers of dark lacquer were finally spread over the sheath, making its surface shiny. The shape of this sword belongs to the older of the two classical models of the Chu Kingdom (late 6th century BCE).