Hilt looks Spanish not Chinese
Ian,
Although the cross guards are similar, the hilt on the sword you posted looks more Spanish than Chinese. To me, the blade I have has the look of a jian that has been filtered through Philippine sensibilities (the seller just thought it was flat out Chinese). That's what is so fascinating to me. The Spanish aesthetic influence in the northern Philippine blades is often encountered. What about the Chinese? What was their aesthetic influence (if any) on northern Philippine blades in the late 19th century to post WW II and what were the sociocultural circumstances surrounding any such influence?
Sincerely,
RobT
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