Here we present, a late Qing Dynasty/Early Republican era two handed Chinese Jian sword. Features bone hilt, pierced brass fittings and an impressive array of talismanic silver etched designs on the blade. Featuring designs of Dragon, Taoist Big Dipper constellation, Manchu Tibetan inspired wrathfull tantric deities and Chinese maidens etc. features a Qianlong mark on the blade. Though this mark may be a newer (1900) homage to that period.
All in all a quality ritual/ceremonial sword with sharp blade. Possibly used in Taoist rituals. Rather heavy and not light like we find Tai Chi swords. Could be used in practice, though I find it a little forward heavy, which urges me to believe it was more of a ritual/ceremonial sword. Definitely this piece is over 100 years old. Interesting as it features both Taoist and Tantric Buddhist Talismans. A very decorative blade, one that would light up a martial arts studio or the man cave of a Kung Fu aficionado.
The inscription in seal characters on the blade seems to suggest that this sword was produced at the court of the Qianlong Emperor (1736 - 1795), and this sword and others very like it have been described as 'court swords' in the past. However, the workmanship and appearance of the sword do not present as being of a sufficiently high standard for this dating to be likely. It seems more probable that this sword and similar pieces identified elsewhere date to the late Qing dynasty (i.e. late 19th century), or perhaps even later. The jian (straight, double-edged sword) continued to resonate as an important symbol of Chinese identity and signified high rank and status, even after it had been mostly supplanted by the single-edged, curved dao as the preferred sword for practical military use from the Tang dynasty onwards. Thus jian were still being produced in the late Qing era; by this point they were largely intended to function as decorative objects or to be acquired as curiosities by foreign consumers
No scabbard included.
Please ask any questions prior to purchase as we accept no returns unless item is not as described.
Blade 33 inches. Total length 43.5 inches. Point of balance 8 inches from guard. Blade has a flattened Diamond profile and is sharp throughout.
Reasonable offers possibly accepted.
Other swords and antiques in pictures not included. Reference only, to display size etc.
Not for sale to the U.K, unless acceptable by local U.K law and customs. Will not ship to China or Russia due to import complications.
Key words:
Wudang, yellow river fighter, Taiji, Feng Shui, Fung sui, Praying Mantis, Shaolin, Emei, Hung Gar, Choy Lee Fut, epee, schwerte, zweihander, miao Dao, Ching, HEMA, tulwar, decor, gwoon, man cave,