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Head of a Broad Spear (Pi)

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The spear (mao) was the primary hand weapon for jabbing in ancient China. Its use continued into the Qin era, which also witnessed the emergence of the pi, a broad-bodied spear with flat edges. The Qin army was equipped with both types of spear, though use of the pi was more widespread. Pit no. 1 of the First Emperor’s mausoleum yielded five mao versus sixteen pi, a ratio of one to three, indicating that the pi had relegated the mao to a secondary position on the battlefield.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 秦 青铜铍
  • Title: Head of a Broad Spear (Pi)
  • Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall L.14 3/16 in. (36 cm)
    L. (blade) 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art