Finial

About this object

History of use

Thought to be a cap from a dagger-axe ("ko") style weapon.

Narrative

Purchased by donor from a London auction house in 1992.

Physical description

Slightly oval bronze cap, or finial, with inlaid silver design. The open end is oval shaped; the closed end is rounded at the edges and smooth. There is a raised band about one third of the way up from the open end. Almost the entire outer surface, starting 0.4 cm from the edge, is decorated with feathery scrolls and griffins surrounded by scrollwork. The bronze is covered in a dark green patination, except for a few spots that are dark brown. Just above the raised band is a pierced hole, and spaced above the hole are two round dents.