Tibetan Sword

Tim Simmons · 11th June 2007, 08:44 PM

Very pleasing to the eye indeed.

spiral · 11th June 2007, 09:07 PM

Nice quality brass scabbard work indeed!

Spiral

Bill M · 15th June 2007, 12:14 AM

Thanks for the compliments.

My wife Anne just noticed a peculiar bit of synchronicity in that the pattern on the scabbard is very similar to the fractal symbol used by extrateresstrials in the TV series "Threshold."

Hmmm. Not that I place any credence in this. Don't think there were ET with Tibetan swords.

Montino Bourbon · 15th June 2007, 01:57 AM

Is called a gan-shi and refers to the various trinities in Tibetan thought, such as Buddha-Dharma-Sangha. Its name means 'whirling joy".

It's often yellow-red-blue.

Since I know so much about Tibet, don't you think that I am worthy of that sword?

Translation- I think it's great!

Jim McDougall · 15th June 2007, 03:34 AM

I'll join the others in complimenting you on this fantastic Tibetan sword Bill! and also on another count, your lovely wife is also incredibly astute!!!
It is extremely interesting when modern popular culture adopts well established and often ancient symbolism into science fiction.

All the best,
Jim

Nobitaaa · 8th November 2020, 05:09 PM

Wonderful blade, thanks for sharing

David R · 10th November 2020, 01:19 PM

Thank you for sharing.

Philip · 11th November 2020, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montino Bourbon

Is called a gan-shi and refers to the various trinities in Tibetan thought, such as Buddha-Dharma-Sangha. Its name means 'whirling joy".

It's often yellow-red-blue.

Thanks for the explanation and terminology. This trefoil rondel motif is also prominent in Japanese and Korean folk art and undoubtedly has the same origin considering the role that Mahayana Buddhism has played in the formation of Far Eastern cultures.

Philip · 11th November 2020, 02:15 AM

This style of Tibetan scabbard shows considerable Chinese influence, as displayed in its suspension system: a perforated bar, retained by metal bands around the scabbard, to which the straps which hook onto the belt are attached. The more common variation is not suspended, but rather is worn inserted in the wide sash which is a part of Tibetan traditional costume. As with the Japanese katana, that type of scabbard holds the sword edge-up.

Another detail- this scabbard is covered with the embossed and lacquered vellum (imitating rayskin) commonly seen on Chinese saber scabbards of the 19th century, on both civilian and military weapons. There was quite a bit of stylistic and technical interchange between resident artisans in the Sino- Tibetan borderlands, particularly in the area of Derge (referred to as Ta-tsien-lu in some old books) alocale known for metalwork of high quality

Jim McDougall · 11th November 2020, 02:36 PM

Wonderful to see responses on these OLD threads!!! even if nearly 14 years later! Its almost surreal. I get excited to see names I havent seen for so long, and think they're back.

This Tibetan sword is amazing, and does remind me of a Chinese sword with that round guard in unusual position, rather like the chakram style discs on some North Indian swords. The Chinese sword was featured in a Royal Armouries yearbook, but cannot recall which off hand (Philip....help).

Its great to see the explanation of the symbolism, hats off to Montino.

It seems like Tibetan craftsmen in border regions of China produced weapons for the Chinese and there was some sort of 'tribute' arrangement, which would account for an expected degree of cross influence.

15th June 2007, 12:14 AM	#3
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thanks for the compliments. My wife Anne just noticed a peculiar bit of synchronicity in that the pattern on the scabbard is very similar to the fractal symbol used by extrateresstrials in the TV series "Threshold." Hmmm. Not that I place any credence in this. Don't think there were ET with Tibetan swords. Attached Images

15th June 2007, 01:57 AM	#4
Montino Bourbon Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Santa Barbara, California Posts: 301	The three-way yin-yang Is called a gan-shi and refers to the various trinities in Tibetan thought, such as Buddha-Dharma-Sangha. Its name means 'whirling joy". It's often yellow-red-blue. Since I know so much about Tibet, don't you think that I am worthy of that sword? Translation- I think it's great!

11th November 2020, 02:15 AM	#9
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	scabbard details This style of Tibetan scabbard shows considerable Chinese influence, as displayed in its suspension system: a perforated bar, retained by metal bands around the scabbard, to which the straps which hook onto the belt are attached. The more common variation is not suspended, but rather is worn inserted in the wide sash which is a part of Tibetan traditional costume. As with the Japanese katana, that type of scabbard holds the sword edge-up. Another detail- this scabbard is covered with the embossed and lacquered vellum (imitating rayskin) commonly seen on Chinese saber scabbards of the 19th century, on both civilian and military weapons. There was quite a bit of stylistic and technical interchange between resident artisans in the Sino- Tibetan borderlands, particularly in the area of Derge (referred to as Ta-tsien-lu in some old books) alocale known for metalwork of high quality Last edited by Philip; 11th November 2020 at 06:06 PM. Reason: Add info

11th June 2007, 08:44 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,843	Very pleasing to the eye indeed.

11th June 2007, 09:07 PM	#2
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Nice quality brass scabbard work indeed! Spiral

15th June 2007, 03:34 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	I'll join the others in complimenting you on this fantastic Tibetan sword Bill! and also on another count, your lovely wife is also incredibly astute!!! It is extremely interesting when modern popular culture adopts well established and often ancient symbolism into science fiction. All the best, Jim

8th November 2020, 05:09 PM	#6
Nobitaaa Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: NYC Posts: 4	Wonderful blade, thanks for sharing

10th November 2020, 01:19 PM	#7
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,116	Thank you for sharing.

11th November 2020, 02:36 PM	#10
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Wonderful to see responses on these OLD threads!!! even if nearly 14 years later! Its almost surreal. I get excited to see names I havent seen for so long, and think they're back. This Tibetan sword is amazing, and does remind me of a Chinese sword with that round guard in unusual position, rather like the chakram style discs on some North Indian swords. The Chinese sword was featured in a Royal Armouries yearbook, but cannot recall which off hand (Philip....help). Its great to see the explanation of the symbolism, hats off to Montino. It seems like Tibetan craftsmen in border regions of China produced weapons for the Chinese and there was some sort of 'tribute' arrangement, which would account for an expected degree of cross influence.