War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade

War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Military commanders used a type of fixed fan, called a war fan (gunbai), to signal soldiers on the battlefield. The silver mounts of this example are engraved with flowers against a stippled background, and the lower section of the shaft, which is detachable, is mounted with a concealed steel blade—an unusual feature that would have appealed to Western collectors.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

War Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear BladeWar Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear BladeWar Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear BladeWar Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear BladeWar Fan (<i>Gunbai</i>) with Concealed Spear Blade

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.