Antique Vietnamese Nguyễn Dynasty Vietnam Gilt Wood Processional Polearm Halberd
Antique Vietnamese large wooden black and gold lacquered ceremonial, processional polearm halberd head, Vietnam, Nguyễn dynasty (19th century).
The large polearm head is finely hand-carved from two separate elements joined together: a central block with a carved sword Kiêm and auspicious emblems and surmounted with a separately carved Wisdom Sword of Manjushri.
A hole is drilled in the base for a carrying pole.
During the Nguyễn dynasty, people who held high office were often accompanied by an entourage carrying a diversity of traditional arms as emblems of their rank and power.
It is a tradition that goes back a long time, and initially, these men were actual guards.
These arms were often purely ceremonial pieces. They could be made of painted wood, pewter, brass, or bronze.
DIMENSIONS:
Height: 58 cm (22.8 inches).
Width: 37 cm (14.6 inches).
CONDITION: It shows its age and uses—some cracks in the wood.
