I just couldn't wait!!!

[Gavin Nugent]

Thanks for the data there Jim, great points of reference as always.
I wish I could obtain old reference catalogue such as these that you refer to. Do you have a scanner in that ole bus of yours? I'd love to see the image posted with the text provided

I do wonder if some of our more learned Chinese experts could step forth and comment too, Phillip, Yu-Ming Chang, Rsword, Dennee???

Thanks for the graphics too Mark, I have at many times wished I could add things like that to photos to better present detail.
It is quite possible that there is a warp at the edge of the blade where the arrows point but the other area is still speculation for me until I get it home.
If you look at the 4th pic I provided of the full length, that issue does not seem to be present, only when the camera moves closer that it appears as such. The 4th Pic is taken a distance and elevation to capture the full length, whilst the others are closer and the flash is more noticable.
I do wonder if that area has something to do with the glass in the cabinet with the lights shinning on the bowls/dishes within the cabinet causig a cresent of light on the blade that is due to a camera flash and these elements mentioned??
I will be sure to provide detailed images whatever the outcome.
Can anyone within the forum provide images of the type of inlay that is found on the blade for further dating and comparisions? Images for comparison of the simulated bamboo at the dragons neck may also be helpful.


thanks in advance

Gav

[Gavin Nugent]

Just a quick update whilst I wait unsettled in my seat for this to arrive.
It has been a long night of international phone calls.
I have spoken further with my very helpful collector friend in Hong Kong via the net and when speaking of dates for this weapon I have discovered a communication breakdown that so often happens with language differences.
The Ching Long he referred to is not Qianlong but the Ching Dynasty. Dating from what was spoken of and what reference I have here would put this in my eyes at around 1850. I beleive he is looking for images from his end of the world to help too, I am very interested in viewing them should they surface.
I have attached a couple of pics of, although oldish, a far more modern martial arts set of pole arms to show where the dragon theme continued on. There is also a blade shape present in the photos that I remember seeing someone ask about a while back, it was at the time though of a Chinese but dismissed by another, if that thread is found, I think this may point to Chinese for it too.
I am also happy to say after speaking with both the auction house and the carrier there are no blade issues to be found upon this piece, sadly due to the size of the object it is still another week away

regards

Gav

[Valjhun]

Tatarattatataaaaa

I've just found the guy who possesed it... Who is he?

[Klas Larsson]

That is general Kuan (Gwan) mention above, also known as Kuan Ti (Guan Di) the God of War, and a protector deity, for homes, temples and other buildings. Can sometimes be seen sittings on a horse on roof tiles. Saw some real nice ones from Tang era at an exhibition a wile a go, see if I can find pictures. He is also a character in the old novels "Three Kingdoms", and a historical character.

About the hefty size, Peter Dekker wrote something on Yan Yue dao in the Qing military, and told they had very heavy ones for martial practice, quoting the military regulations books of Qing. Can not recall where he wrote this, maybe his website? Its at http://www.mandarinmansion.com/

Not saying this is one of those military examples, but it could still be a practice dao, as some of you already pointed out, its way to heavy for fighting, but can well build strength and develop correct body usage in martial practice.

And congratulations, this is really something extra!

[Klas Larsson]

Here are some really nice pictures of Yan Yue Dao, on Tomas Chens always usefull website http://thomaschen.freewebspace.com/photo4.html

[Gavin Nugent]

Thanks for the kind words and for supplying the link Klas, I too was recently looking at it and they are all choice examples shown. One pictured has a similar blade configuration, the third last one it is, I particuarly like the suspended tassle shown.
Thanks too for coming in and covering off General Kwan, it was an interesting representation of him Valjhun bought forth.
Thanks for keeping this thread going with your interest too guys. Josh, if anything further has come to light I would love to hear it.
I should have new images in a fews days as I have been tracking the package and I should receive it Monday Aussie time.

regards

Gav

[Gonzalo G]

!Congratulations, Gav! A VERY interesting piece. Do you think it´s an offering item to the temple? Or a weapon designed to be used, no matter it was offered? There were some heavy fighting weapons on the chinese arsenal. Usually associated with the presence of heavy armour.
Regards

Gonzalo