The medieval Chinese dynasties saw great advances in metallurgy. Some,
like the ability to produce cast iron, were far ahead of such technology
in the Europe. Others, like the mastery of efficient, large-scale steel
production, enabled the Tang and Song dynasties to become major military
powers in east Asia.
Blade length 27 1/2 in.
19th century
The heavy blade of qiangang construction, with a marked taper, deep fullers, and short backedge, fitted with a Japanese-inspired collar at forte, mounted with a short tapering grip whose design shows Japanese influence. The octagonal guard as well as all other fittings of iron, decorated with encrusted silver designs. The scabbard of Chinese form, covered with dyed and polished shagreen.
This type of weapon was intended for combat use by a military officer. In general, Korean sabers follow Japanese prototypes whereas the straight swords are very Chinese in appearance. This saber is unusual in that it combines elements from both cultures. Of particular interest is the pommel. Although generally similar to Chinese saber pommels, this specimen’s proportions and shape are also reminiscent of those on the Central Asian and Siberian sabers carried by Mongol forces in the 13th-14th centuries.
A Ming governor in scale armor vest carrying a jian
![Picture of chinese jian with dual rows of huawen [flowery figured] Damascus steel with lamelae of twists running obliquely toward the point on either side of the median ridge.](http://sevenstarstrading.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Sword1_jade_jian.gif "Sword1_jade_jian")
Chinese jian with dual rows of huawen
Damascus steel with lamelae of twists running obliquely toward the point on
either side of the median ridge.
There are many widely-held misconceptions about Chinese swords. I have
selected five of the most commonly repeated. I will attempt to dispel them.
Most of the stories have been passed down from generation-to-generation
by the Chinese themselves. These stories are based on “fairy-tales”.
Indeed, frequently these stories are repeated by people who have never handled
an antique sword and who know nothing about Chinese swords, or about metallurgy
or about the art of the swordsmith.
| Qing Parade Armor Types During the reign of the Emperor Qianlong, a multi-volume Illustrated Huang Di Da Yue Jia Yi, Er- Emperor’s Grand Review Armor One , Two: |
Qing soldiers practicing archery on the street in Beijing, 1894.
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| Knives of the Taiwan Aborigines By Sherrod V. Anderson & Philip Tom |
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| Hints of the history of a people can often be discerned as we more closely examine the weapons of their culture. These are forged and dressed with care, for not only are they a man’s most constant companions, but are also his major implements for survival in a hostile world of physical challenges and supernatural threat. The blades and mountings of the knives of the Baiwan people offer many clues to a dynamic and intriguing cultural heritage. |
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FIREARMS AND ARTILLERY IN PRE-COLONIAL VIETNAM: An Introduction
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The adoption and use of gunpowder-actuated weapons by the Vietnamese |
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Vietnamese Swords
Swords of Vietnam are a beautiful and interesting cross |
