Insights into Chinese ring pommel swords

Jim McDougall · 11th April 2010, 03:45 AM

On the 'blood' dynamics with tassels, cloths etc. ...it seems the folklore with weapons and blood features are virtually a given as battle stories are embellished through the years. The most common is of course the 'blood gutters', a cleverly construed story for the less colorful reason for these blade channels, simply to lighten and strengthen the blade. Yet these perceptions persist in lesser informed story telling.
Notches in blades, sword catchers, sliding weights on blades, multiple blades, serrated blades purpose in battle, wavy blades, all have dramatic tales of thier functions, though most have been proven to be fanciful license.

The tassels seem more embellishment than useful as described. It is hard to imagine that distraction would be in the least bit feasible in the melee, where confusion and chaos reigns. In civilian martial arts demonstrations, of course it would be impressive to spectators.

I think Fearn and Gav's comments emphasizing the mastery of Oriental simplicity are well placed, and it is easy to see how this functional feature would be maintained. It is interesting to consider that perhaps centuries ago, there was a time when it was embellished with symbolism, eventually returning to its less symbolized presence.

All best regards,
Jim

11th April 2010, 03:45 AM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,928	On the 'blood' dynamics with tassels, cloths etc. ...it seems the folklore with weapons and blood features are virtually a given as battle stories are embellished through the years. The most common is of course the 'blood gutters', a cleverly construed story for the less colorful reason for these blade channels, simply to lighten and strengthen the blade. Yet these perceptions persist in lesser informed story telling. Notches in blades, sword catchers, sliding weights on blades, multiple blades, serrated blades purpose in battle, wavy blades, all have dramatic tales of thier functions, though most have been proven to be fanciful license. The tassels seem more embellishment than useful as described. It is hard to imagine that distraction would be in the least bit feasible in the melee, where confusion and chaos reigns. In civilian martial arts demonstrations, of course it would be impressive to spectators. I think Fearn and Gav's comments emphasizing the mastery of Oriental simplicity are well placed, and it is easy to see how this functional feature would be maintained. It is interesting to consider that perhaps centuries ago, there was a time when it was embellished with symbolism, eventually returning to its less symbolized presence. All best regards, Jim