Interesting Chinese Jian sword

Nick Wardigo · 11th December 2004, 12:37 AM

Fearn--

Actually, the cut-out decoration you're seeing on the scabbard fittings and hilt ferrule are coins, not stars. Take a look at the square hole inside the circle, indicative of ancient Chinese coins. To quote from "Symbols and Rebuses in Chinese Art" by Fang Jing Pei (Ten Speed Press, 2004, p. 46), "Coins have many symbolic meanings in Chinese culture, all of which have to do with wealth and riches." You see it crop up a lot. I currently own a Taoist ritual jian that has eight of these on its scabbard and hilt fittings.

I think the comment that Taoists preferred jian stems from the nature of jian fencing, which is typically more complex and requires a longer amount of time to master. To a Taoist, the extreme attention to an infinite number of details may be akin to a form of meditation. This takes jian practice outside the realm of combat (or rather, strictly combat) and into religious practice. From that perspective, it would be correct to say that Taoists preferred jian. I might add that any casual perusal of Taoist religious art will show Immortals, heroes, and deities typically using jian over other weapons (there are exceptions).

Rick--
You mentioned that "it is the first of its exact kind that Philip has run across." Could you elaborate on that? Are you referring to the carving on the scabbard, or some element of the blade? I only ask because whenever Phil says something like that, I tend to listen VERY closely.

RSWORD · 11th December 2004, 04:54 AM

I appreciate all the input. It has been very enlightening.

Nick,

Philip pointed out several unique features about this piece. He mentioned that this is the first example he has run across where the scabbard was of carved wood and so intricately carved at that. Another unique feature was the pommel. Philip mentioned he has only seen one other pommel like this one and it was on a sword in the Met's collection. He also speculated that the blade might be 18th century or earlier. Since the tang was not visible for a more educated guess, he based this on the fact that the tip was very thick at the edges, almost like a chisel, and this could indicate that it was originally intended to pierce armour. The blade is certainly stout enough to hold up to such a task. The edges on this sword are also very, very hard. Your comments on the heavy brass fittings on the scabbard and the pommel/guard are right on the money.

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11th December 2004, 12:37 AM	#1
Nick Wardigo Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 54	Fearn-- Actually, the cut-out decoration you're seeing on the scabbard fittings and hilt ferrule are coins, not stars. Take a look at the square hole inside the circle, indicative of ancient Chinese coins. To quote from "Symbols and Rebuses in Chinese Art" by Fang Jing Pei (Ten Speed Press, 2004, p. 46), "Coins have many symbolic meanings in Chinese culture, all of which have to do with wealth and riches." You see it crop up a lot. I currently own a Taoist ritual jian that has eight of these on its scabbard and hilt fittings. I think the comment that Taoists preferred jian stems from the nature of jian fencing, which is typically more complex and requires a longer amount of time to master. To a Taoist, the extreme attention to an infinite number of details may be akin to a form of meditation. This takes jian practice outside the realm of combat (or rather, strictly combat) and into religious practice. From that perspective, it would be correct to say that Taoists preferred jian. I might add that any casual perusal of Taoist religious art will show Immortals, heroes, and deities typically using jian over other weapons (there are exceptions). Rick-- You mentioned that "it is the first of its exact kind that Philip has run across." Could you elaborate on that? Are you referring to the carving on the scabbard, or some element of the blade? I only ask because whenever Phil says something like that, I tend to listen VERY closely.

11th December 2004, 04:54 AM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,098	I appreciate all the input. It has been very enlightening. Nick, Philip pointed out several unique features about this piece. He mentioned that this is the first example he has run across where the scabbard was of carved wood and so intricately carved at that. Another unique feature was the pommel. Philip mentioned he has only seen one other pommel like this one and it was on a sword in the Met's collection. He also speculated that the blade might be 18th century or earlier. Since the tang was not visible for a more educated guess, he based this on the fact that the tip was very thick at the edges, almost like a chisel, and this could indicate that it was originally intended to pierce armour. The blade is certainly stout enough to hold up to such a task. The edges on this sword are also very, very hard. Your comments on the heavy brass fittings on the scabbard and the pommel/guard are right on the money.