Opinions on the Chinese Dao

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.

Jim McDougall · 27th January 2023, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milandro

hello David, I have tried to reach you via PM

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

Well noted Milandro, weapons, especially in ethnographic or remote/rural spheres are commonly refurbished with replacement components to regain or maintain serviceability. Often parts that are similar or workable are used, and while falling out of the 'normal' character of types or forms, functionality is key.

Ersatz weaponry, that is to be used in cases of dramatic events, or actions, people involved tend to use whatever is available of course without thought of propriety. In China of course, there were so many situational instances like this it would be hard to say which one, or numerous ones, might apply to a certain weapon.
This it acquires its own inherently historic character from its often composite components, becoming even more dynamic IMO.

18th January 2023, 05:10 AM	#1
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	#2
DavidFriedman Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 113	Nice Lovely blade and pommel