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Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 407
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I usually collect village made things, but sometimes something is just too nice to pass up.
The Longchuan fittings are a more elaborate type than one normally sees; the stars are made of two kinds of brass and red copper with the unusual addition of an eighth larger star. I think in this case the seven stars of the big dipper represent a dragon, and the larger star is Arcturus in the constellation Bootes. This represents the pearl that the dragon is chasing. Also a friend did a loose translation of a poem on the scabbard: "Being forged hundreds of times, the blade will show its sharp cutting edge, Suddenly, it becomes a dragon, There is a good friend, who was used to wear it, Tiger chi of it can frighten evils." The poem implies a possible ritual use, but the blade is quite heavy and the steel is good, so I don't think it was only a ritual weapon. If anyone can read the old Chinese, I would appreciate thoughts on the interpretation. Josh http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword006.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword007.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword009.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword011.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword012.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword013.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword003.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword004.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j6...i/sword005.jpg |
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