two jian shaped dao

Neil · 6th July 2010, 03:00 AM

In my anthropological studies in college I learned that the conclusions we draw on a subject of study are fluid relative to the process of gathering information over time. What may seem anomalous today could be the beginning of a trend that appears as time goes on. I personally have yet to read any extensive scholarship on these cruder pieces of Chinese weaponry from the 18th and 19th centuries. I think seeing pieces like these are exciting and believe every one available is valuable to broaden our perspective on the subject.

In regards to the following.
____________________________________
Fearn:

"These blades were made by a smith, either for a local security guard, a bandit, or (most likely) a militia armory, and this is the kind of thing that some foot-soldier actually carried and used with his bow"

And how do we know that? And, what difference does it make for our understanding of Chinese weapons?

____________________________________

I too wish we had more information on who made these swords, who owned them, and in what context were they used. Certainly knowing these things is fundamental to any depth of knowledge of Chinese weapons. We have the old weapons in the present, but it seems their stories are still in the past, or maybe just overseas and spoken in Chinese. The best I have been able to do is scour the internet for information depots like this and read what little information there is available in English and draw my own conclusions. I have had a lot of personal insights through practicing my Chinese martial arts with my collection as well. I am enjoying the journey quit a bit.

6th July 2010, 03:00 AM	#8
Neil Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 114	In my anthropological studies in college I learned that the conclusions we draw on a subject of study are fluid relative to the process of gathering information over time. What may seem anomalous today could be the beginning of a trend that appears as time goes on. I personally have yet to read any extensive scholarship on these cruder pieces of Chinese weaponry from the 18th and 19th centuries. I think seeing pieces like these are exciting and believe every one available is valuable to broaden our perspective on the subject. In regards to the following. ____________________________________ Fearn: "These blades were made by a smith, either for a local security guard, a bandit, or (most likely) a militia armory, and this is the kind of thing that some foot-soldier actually carried and used with his bow" And how do we know that? And, what difference does it make for our understanding of Chinese weapons? ____________________________________ I too wish we had more information on who made these swords, who owned them, and in what context were they used. Certainly knowing these things is fundamental to any depth of knowledge of Chinese weapons. We have the old weapons in the present, but it seems their stories are still in the past, or maybe just overseas and spoken in Chinese. The best I have been able to do is scour the internet for information depots like this and read what little information there is available in English and draw my own conclusions. I have had a lot of personal insights through practicing my Chinese martial arts with my collection as well. I am enjoying the journey quit a bit.