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Prestige Axe

Songye

Artwork Details

Prestige Axe
20th century
Songye
metal blade with snake or lizard skin wrapped wood handle
12 3/4 x 5 13/16 in. (32.5 x 14.8 cm); ; ;
Gift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich
1998/1.50

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Description

Axe with cylindrical shaft topped with a small head of classical Songye style with neck rings and chest detail; the other end widening into a rounded, flattened section with 2 abstract linear faces, one on either edge; a short straight metal blade (re-used file) issuing from mouth of one face; small hand-grip of snake or lizard skin; handle wood with light brown, glossy patina, remnants of white and red pigments; hair of small head blackened with hole at top for insertion fo medicinal ingredients. [David Ackley]

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