24 cm (length) × 16.6 cm (width) × 0.7 (thickness) × 3.7 cm (hole diameter)
This bronze axe, decorated with a standing deity motif, blends traditional Zhou craftsmanship with foreign influences. The axe body is circular, with a central perforation serving as the visual focal point—its design traces back to perforated stone axes from the Neolithic period, demonstrating a long historical lineage. However, unlike stone axes, which were inserted into the holes of wooden handles, this axe required the wooden shaft to be inserted into a side socket, known as a “shafthole.” This installation method originated from the steppe culture of the north. Complementing this distinctive structure, the socket is adorned with a rare deity motif. The deity has fanged teeth, a sinuous trunk-like nose emphasized by openwork carving, and sharp, and raptor-like claws for hands and feet. Notably, the grasping claw seamlessly integrates with the perforation of the axe, achieving a harmonious fusion of decoration and form.
The unique circular socketed yue ax emerged during the early Western Zhou dynasty and became prevalent at that time. However, since deity motifs were more common in the mid-Western Zhou dynasty, this piece is broadly dated to the early to mid-Western Zhou dynasty. Compared with other excavated examples, where shaftholes are typically adorned with flat or slightly raised deity or dragon motifs, this axe features a high-relief main motif with partial openwork, showcasing exceptional casting craftsmanship. In the Bronze Age, axes symbolized military and royal authority. The exquisite craftsmanship of this piece, combined with its religiously significant deity motif, suggests that it was a ceremonial weapon.