Opinions on the Chinese Dao

Ren Ren · 9th January 2023, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Lubojacky

Ren ren and Kai, Thank you for your opinions. Enclosed pls find detail of the sheath covering. It looks like brushed leather, which was glued on.
Best,
Martin

I am 98% sure that the leather was changed to artificially aged.

But this does not apply to metal parts. They are very good!

Jim McDougall · 9th January 2023, 11:06 PM

This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword.

The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion.

My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c.

I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action.

The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.

Martin Lubojacky · 10th January 2023, 10:17 PM

Thank you all once again for your insightful observations!(Dao is a relatively new field for me ...)

kai · 12th January 2023, 02:17 AM

Just to state the obvious: The scabbard seems to have experienced a complete makeover: The wooden parts inside seem to be very recent from the pic.

Assuming that the original scabbard was possibly broken or beyond restoration, it is good to have a functional scabbard again...

Regards,
Kai

Philip · 18th January 2023, 05:10 AM

This piece is a bit of a mishmosh.
1. The best thing about it is the blade, despite its rough condition. It is easily 18th cent. in style, and the apparent quality is commensurate.
2. Wood grip is new, and the pommel doesn't match the hilt. The rule of thumb on Chinese hilts is that the cross section of the ferrule matches that of the pommel -- oval to oval, angular and angular.
3. It's already pointed out that the scabbard wood looks replaced.

4. Regarding the scabbard furniture, the suspension bar looks like a clumsy replacement. Maybe working-life or perhaps later.
The most interesting components are the throat and chape. The style is associated with western China, specifically Xinjiang (formerly called East Turkestan in historical geographical literature). Rectangular cross-section, they are broad sleeves edged by raised grooved bands.

This is a fascinating study piece.

DavidFriedman · 24th January 2023, 05:06 AM

Lovely blade and pommel

milandro · 27th January 2023, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidFriedman

Lovely blade and pommel

hello David, I have tried to reach you via PM

Replacement parts , I think, are a consequence of time passing.

18th January 2023, 05:10 AM	#5
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	An interesting composite This piece is a bit of a mishmosh. 1. The best thing about it is the blade, despite its rough condition. It is easily 18th cent. in style, and the apparent quality is commensurate. 2. Wood grip is new, and the pommel doesn't match the hilt. The rule of thumb on Chinese hilts is that the cross section of the ferrule matches that of the pommel -- oval to oval, angular and angular. 3. It's already pointed out that the scabbard wood looks replaced. 4. Regarding the scabbard furniture, the suspension bar looks like a clumsy replacement. Maybe working-life or perhaps later. The most interesting components are the throat and chape. The style is associated with western China, specifically Xinjiang (formerly called East Turkestan in historical geographical literature). Rectangular cross-section, they are broad sleeves edged by raised grooved bands. This is a fascinating study piece.

24th January 2023, 05:06 AM	#6
DavidFriedman Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 113	Nice Lovely blade and pommel

9th January 2023, 11:06 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,189	This is a remarkable Manchu saber, and as often the case, categorically seems 'liuyedao' but has that slight oxtail 'peak' near distal section of blade. The unusually austere suspension bar and mounts, as well as scabbard rings and throat are outstanding, and adds to the very 'solid' character of this sword. The slight cant of the grip, the huanshou, seem to align with possible 'minority' character possibly Yunnan and it is tempting to note the similarity of the pommel to Tibetan so called 'ke tri' (trilobe) adding to that suggestion. My exposure to Chinese swords is limited, but I wanted to add what I could, and as always, hope to prompt corrections or other observations that might add to what I think is well noted period of mid 19th c. I agree that this is a high quality blade, and likely remounted in the Manchu period in 19th c. as it seems many were. I have an earlier 'willow leaf' blade which was remounted in these type mounts mid 19th c. as well so it seems quite a regular action. The 'Boxer' period attribution is simply commonly assumed as this was a remarkably 'international' event in which many Chinese arms and souvenirs were brought out, which included items of much earlier periods.

10th January 2023, 10:17 PM	#3
Martin Lubojacky Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Czech Republic Posts: 843	Thank you all once again for your insightful observations!(Dao is a relatively new field for me ...)

12th January 2023, 02:17 AM	#4
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Just to state the obvious: The scabbard seems to have experienced a complete makeover: The wooden parts inside seem to be very recent from the pic. Assuming that the original scabbard was possibly broken or beyond restoration, it is good to have a functional scabbard again... Regards, Kai