NICE OLD CHINESE SWORD

Jim McDougall · 31st December 2007, 03:27 AM

Thank you for posting this Vandoo, as this is probably the most unusual Qing dadao I have seen. The Boxer Rebellion provenance is most probably accurate as so many of these were brought out of China by the varied foreign legations there. These usually had either the standard Manchu type hilt (hooflike) or the familiar ring pommel. I believe these were usually used by Chinese martial artists and were essentially used in these groups including various subversive organizations, and were of course not used by standing military.
The bamboo form grip is something I have not seen before, and I look forward to hearing more on this from those who know more on Chinese weapons. Also, the curious notched profiling on the yelman is most interesting and reminds me of such affectations applied on early Italian sabre forms as well as it seems on an Indian sword Jens posted some time ago. It would be interesting to know if these influences are represented here or if there might have been some sort of symbolism involved. Since the bamboo grip seems to be an aesthetic application, perhaps it is simply to enhance the aesthetic of the blade as well.

All very best regards,
Jim

31st December 2007, 03:27 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,283	Thank you for posting this Vandoo, as this is probably the most unusual Qing dadao I have seen. The Boxer Rebellion provenance is most probably accurate as so many of these were brought out of China by the varied foreign legations there. These usually had either the standard Manchu type hilt (hooflike) or the familiar ring pommel. I believe these were usually used by Chinese martial artists and were essentially used in these groups including various subversive organizations, and were of course not used by standing military. The bamboo form grip is something I have not seen before, and I look forward to hearing more on this from those who know more on Chinese weapons. Also, the curious notched profiling on the yelman is most interesting and reminds me of such affectations applied on early Italian sabre forms as well as it seems on an Indian sword Jens posted some time ago. It would be interesting to know if these influences are represented here or if there might have been some sort of symbolism involved. Since the bamboo grip seems to be an aesthetic application, perhaps it is simply to enhance the aesthetic of the blade as well. All very best regards, Jim