東周 公元前6世紀末至5世紀 青銅雙龍鉞

the bell-profile blade issuing from the rectangular tang, cast on both sides with a zigzag band at the base and a raised V-shape extending to the plain band at the blade's edge, the sides flanked by sinewy reticulated dragons, pierced in the tang and in the shaft, the patina of mottled russet and pale and olive greens

Jörg Trübner (逝.1930) 博士收藏，柏林
Edgar Worch (1880-1972) 收藏，柏林
Adolphe Stoclet (1871-1949) 收藏，布魯塞爾
倫敦蘇富比1997年6月10日，編號109
Bernadette 及 William M. B. Berger 伉儷收藏，丹佛，科羅拉多州，購於1997年

Otto Kümmel，《Jörg Trübner zum Gedächtnis: Ergebnisse seiner letzten chinesischen Reisen》，柏林，1930年，圖版23
梅原末治，<支那古代の銅利器に就いて>，《東方學報》，1932年，卷II，圖版6，圖1
梅原末治，《支那古銅精華》，部III，卷II，1933年，圖版99，圖2

The blade is missing the head of one of the openwork dragons and the tip of the tail to the other dragon. There are minor nicks and dents to the edges overall. There is wear, pitting and erosion consistent with age. The patina is greener than the catalogue illustration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Axes of this form are rare, and ones with rounded edge and flanking dragons are highly unusual, but two blades of similar form are illustrated in Sueji Umehara's aforementioned article of 1932, pl. 6, figs. 2-3.