Chinese daosi with scabbard
 

And another from the storehouse.

This came from a dealer here in the US almost thirty years ago. Typical daosi, good workmanship, large proportions. Appears to be a rosewood (or something similar) grip. There are what appears to be tally marks notched into the top of the grip.

During the 1850's there was in Shanghai, one group, calling themselves the "big knife society" that were similar to the other numerous other anti-foreigner groups spring up. (Not to mention the Taipings and the numerous warlord and Imperial armies prowling around the area.)

Supposedly they were armed with knives of this type. (But the form is common, so, this is just an interesting aside!)

Are there any other images out there that rounds out a study of this form?

I welcome any comments!

form southern china cantonese..

collectors some times clal these "chinese bowies"
they have a common origin with the "butterfly swords" and also fighting irons and wooden clubs of the cantonese populance..
all are also used in just about the same fighting patterns.. be it edged clubs these big knives iron clubs ect..