A rare turquoise and jade inset bronze dagger, spring and autumn or Warring States, circa 500-400BC, the short dagger cast with an openwork lattice design handle composed of interlocking snakes, studded with small turquoise cabochon bosses, the lattice cast with intricate geometric designs and a stylised snake head to each side, the pommel inset with a pierced jade disk. Encrusted verdigris patina throughout. Together with a black metal stand, 25 cm long, 4 cm wide. Provenance: Purchased from dragon culture, Hong Kong, 1999 or 2000,