Linnea Davis
Goujian
Illustration
2022
Digital Media
This bronze sword bears ancient Chinese text that has been agreed to roughly translates to 'the King of Yue made this sword for his personal use.' Scholars believe this sword belonged to King Goujian, who for several years faced servitude to an enemy kingdom, only to be let go on good behavior and promises that he would become a vassal state. Instead he plotted war against them took down their kingdom.