Chinese Jian

josh stout · 4th March 2008, 05:11 PM

The Yazi guard commonly seen on Chinese antiques has a multi-dynastic history, and may be related to the Makara. Both are water beasts with upturned noses. The style of the guard on your jian, is typical of Qing style guards, but looks like it may be a cast copy of an origenal. Generaly the fittings on your jian seem more likely to be matched with an ace of spades guard. Also, generaly the Yazi guard is an earlier type than the ace of spades, so seeing the Yazi guard makes me think it was a later replacement. Alternatively, the overall "village" look of your jian may expain the crude re-cast look of the guard. Mixed fittings are not uncommon on village things that are often refit with whatever is handy.
Josh

4th March 2008, 05:11 PM	#7
josh stout Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 407	The Yazi guard commonly seen on Chinese antiques has a multi-dynastic history, and may be related to the Makara. Both are water beasts with upturned noses. The style of the guard on your jian, is typical of Qing style guards, but looks like it may be a cast copy of an origenal. Generaly the fittings on your jian seem more likely to be matched with an ace of spades guard. Also, generaly the Yazi guard is an earlier type than the ace of spades, so seeing the Yazi guard makes me think it was a later replacement. Alternatively, the overall "village" look of your jian may expain the crude re-cast look of the guard. Mixed fittings are not uncommon on village things that are often refit with whatever is handy. Josh