**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. late 18th to 19th century CE. A fine iron and wood trident shaped pole arm often referred to as a "tiger trident," or "tiger fork," known in Chinese as "hu cha." The crescent shaped arms have a pair of inward pointed barbs, and a central spike is surmounted on a long socket hafted to a thick pole. It is believed that this type of polearm developed in southern China from pitchforks that evolved into livestock protection / hunting tigers and self-defense. By the Qing Dynasty they were used as martial arts and military issued weapons and were widely used in armed conflicts such as the Boxer Rebellion. Size: 75.5" L x 10.25" W (191.8 cm x 26 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

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#170581

Surface wear commensurate with age and use. Abrasions and chipping losses to butt end of wood pole. Iron socket is slightly loose, but still securely attached to pole. Surface pitting and patina on metal and wood. Overall great condition.