Antique Chinese Sword -- Jian

[Bill Marsh]

Below are pictures of my Chinese Sword, called a Jian or double edged sword. The blade is older (could be Ming Dynasty, but probably Qing) than the brass fittings (Qing Dynasty), the scabbard wood and handle are recent.

The blade has been polished and shows the damascus pattern welding.

I would welcome your comments

Bill

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Wow, is that ever a beautiful damascus pattern. The dots are interesting. I have never seen a blade done like that before.

 

[Bill Marsh]

There are seven brass dots that go through the blade. These relate to the seven star constellation that we call the "Big Dipper." This constellation was the patron of the "Long Quan" or "Dragon Springs" area of China where the sword was forged. Something like that....

 

[richard rosvall]

Wow, that is very interesting! Thanks for sharing it with us, Bill.

 

[nybble]

Bill, thanks for posting that. I rarely see chinese blades posted here, especially in comparison with japanese and japanese inspired works.

This one is beautiful. Thank you for explaining the dots!