A BRONZE 'BIRD' STAFF FINIAL

Warring States Period - Western Han Dynasty

Footnotes

戰國至西漢 銅鳩杖首

This bronze staff finial is crafted in the shape of a dove, poised with its head held high and body erect. Its intricate details are vividly rendered: the bird's beak is sharply defined, and the texture of its feathers is clearly discernible. The overall form radiates both dynamic vitality and dignified solemnity. This artifact possesses not only exceptional artistic value but also profound cultural significance. In traditional culture, the dove has long been regarded as a symbol of longevity and auspiciousness, while its posture of spreading wings to take flight further enhances its vibrant vitality.

According to historical records such as the Book of the Later Han: Treatise on Rites, a system of honoring the elderly by bestowing the royal staff (a dove-shaped walking stick) upon those over seventy was established during the Western Han Dynasty and continued through successive dynasties. Bearers of this staff enjoyed special privileges and social benefits, including tax exemptions and priority in legal proceedings. This bronze staff finial serves as a tangible embodiment of this ritual culture. Its dove-shaped design not only conveys people's aspirations for health and longevity but also demonstrates reverence and dignity toward elders. As a crucial physical artifact for studying ancient eldercare systems, ritual culture, and bronze craftsmanship, it perfectly illustrates the organic fusion of historical heritage, ritual norms, artistic aesthetics, and social ideology.

此銅杖首為鳩鳥造型，通體呈昂首挺立之姿，其細節刻畫生動傳神，鳩鳥喙部尖銳，羽翼紋理清晰可辨，整體造型既滿靈動生氣又不失莊重威嚴。該器物不僅具有極高的藝術價值，更承載着深厚的文化内涵，其鳩鳥造型在傳統文化中向來被視為長壽與吉祥的象徵，展翅欲飛的姿態更增添了蓬勃向上的生命力。

據《後漢書·禮儀志》等歷史文獻記載，自西漢始，歷代王朝便形成賜予年過七十老人「王杖」（即飾有鳩鳥造型的鳩杖）的敬老制度，持杖者可享受如减免賦税、優先訴訟等特殊禮遇與社會優待。此銅杖首正是這一禮制文化的物質載體，其以鳩鳥為造型設計，既寄托了人們對健康長壽的美好祝願，又彰顯了對長者的敬重與尊嚴，是研究古代養老制度、禮制文化及青銅工藝的重要實物資料，完美體現了歷史傳承、禮制規範、藝術審美與社會思想的有機融合。