[Philip]

This sword is one of a small number of jian, dating from the Ming through Qing Dynasties, with flat, discoid guards patterned after those characteristic of peidao (sabers). Many of these rare forms are sumptuously-fitted weapons, perhaps the most well known is one with gilt bronze fittings, attributed to the Qianlong Emperor, now in the Musee de l'Armee, Paris. Occasionally one encounters a heavy example of rustic manufacture, with very simple, village-made iron fittings, put together during the 19h cent., sometimes with a much earlier blade, others having a completely "home-made" appearance.