16th-17th century
The head of the mace is comprised of nine steel flanges, with ornamental edges, that are welded to the steel haft. Traces of copper can be found on some of the flanges, suggesting that the mace head may have been gilded. The finial is embossed in the form of a lotus. The haft is made of a single piece of steel with an embossed, twisted pattern.
51.5 cm, 4.4 kg (20 1/4 in., 9.7 lb)
Eric Schroeder (by 1971) Stuart Cary Welch (by 1999 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Eric Schroeder died March 27, 1971. Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1999.
Lead
GreekOxide-encrusted bronze blade; bone-colored nephrite guard
5th-3rd century BCEChineseBlade: steel with gold-filled incised decoration and inscriptions; handle: braided brass wire over fabric on a wooden core; guard: cast brass and gilt bronze, with profile portrait of Lafayette enframed in draped flags; lion-headed pummel: cast brass with gilt bronze decoration
18th centuryFrenchNiello stripes on hammer end, gold inlay around beak, silver inlay around eyes
10th-11th centuryTurkishBronze, the hilt inlaid with sheet gold
ChineseLead
Stone
ChinesePolished dark stone
3rd millennium BCEChineseCopper
3rd millennium BCESyro-HittiteBronze
ChineseBronze
12th-10th century BCEIranianBronze with turquoise inlays (inscription cast on both sides of the sword guard)
5th-3rd century BCEChinese