new jian
 

I usually collect village made things, but sometimes something is just too nice to pass up.

The Longchuan fittings are a more elaborate type than one normally sees; the stars are made of two kinds of brass and red copper with the unusual addition of an eighth larger star. I think in this case the seven stars of the big dipper represent a dragon, and the larger star is Arcturus in the constellation Bootes. This represents the pearl that the dragon is chasing.

Also a friend did a loose translation of a poem on the scabbard:

"Being forged hundreds of times, the blade will show its sharp cutting edge,
Suddenly, it becomes a dragon,
There is a good friend, who was used to wear it,
Tiger chi of it can frighten evils."

The poem implies a possible ritual use, but the blade is quite heavy and the steel is good, so I don't think it was only a ritual weapon. If anyone can read the old Chinese, I would appreciate thoughts on the interpretation.
Josh

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword006.jpg

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