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	enlarge image map of region CHINESE OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION Chinese Bronzes of the Shang and Zhou Periods Han Dynasty Bronzes Early Chinese Ceramics Sculpture from Tombs Chinese Buddhist Sculpture Tang and Liao Dynasty Metalwork Ceramics of the Song and Jin Periods Porcelains of the Yuan and Early Ming Periods Imperial Chinese Ceramics of the 15th Century Ceramics of the Late Ming Period Qing Dynasty Porcelain Landscape Painting in China Jade and Lacquer in China		Spearhead North China; Shang period (c.1600-1050 B.C.E.), 13th - 11th century B.C.E. Bronze H. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm); W. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Estate of Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller 1993.004 The spear was not only an indispensable weapon in the arsenal of the Chinese Bronze Age army, but also a symbol of status. Spearheads were finely cast with decorative motifs similar to those found on vessels. On this piece the decoration consists of stylized dragon heads linked into S-shapes cast in low relief against a granulated background. This granulation, as well as the row of circles at the base of the socket identify this piece as coming from the southeastern region around the lower reaches of the Yangzi River.
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