Chinese Garlic bulb Mace

[Bill M]

Another of my favorite Chinese pieces. Don't know the age, but would expect Ching dyn. 15" long.

Called "Garlic Bulb" by Phillip Tom. I don't know if this is his pet name for the style of mace head, or traditional. Will ask him when he gets back from Viet Nam.

Many of you know the delightful phrases Phillip uses to describe weapons, like the "Oscar Meyer" scabbard on some Chinese dao. I acquired a dao from Phillip that he decribed as having a "U-Turn" fuller. I wonder if he uses these descriptions when writing for the Metropolitan Museum?

This mace is a powerful weapon that could seriously "put the hurt on you." I have heard that many helmets would not stand a solid blow from one of these.

Also heard that it was often carried in a behind-the-neck holder/scabbard so the combatant could easily bring it over his head and down, with great force, on his opponent.

The dragon eyes actually move.