Chinese Jian

Gavin Nugent · 3rd March 2008, 08:11 AM

Hmmm, what did I just buy? I have been looking for years for a genuine Vintage or Antique Chinese Jian with little success, well success for one that appeals to my eyes, there have been plenty pass me by without that certain Mystic.

I found this piece at you know where and after having many extra images sent to me I was convinced of it's age and uniqueness.

There are very few good visual references that I can find on Chinese swords, from what I have seen and know, this sword appears to be from Around the late 1800's to about 1920, has military fittings on the scabbard and on the swords hilt too, but as far the cross guard is concerned, from the images, it varies greatly in detail from all that I have seen on military style swords and appears chiselled and non-military. There is what appears to be the remains of a tassel that was the same material as the hilt bindings and another cloth around the top of the hilt too(maybe to keep blood from the hand's grip?).

As I have not yet received this item and don't expect to for another week or two, I cannot comment on the blade. I have seen these blade before, some state that they are as old as Ming others have but them later, I do not know.
The entire sword patina is even and true, the brass seven star inlay is blackened with age. The sword in sheath is 40inches. The scabbard fittings have at some stage been painted yellow but the even honest patina can be seen in both the paint and the brass fittings exposed under the paint.

I do welcome comments and also answers to some of the questions that have arisen from my viewing of the sword.

My questions would be from what period is this sword actually from and is the blade possibly older as seen in many other swords?
What is the significance of the yellow paint on the sheath fittings?
What is the significance of the unusual cross guard?

And please if anything does come to light from viewing this forum, please do share what you know and Bill or Josh, I welcome your views on this matter with great interest.

best regards

Gavin

3rd March 2008, 08:11 AM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Chinese Jian Hmmm, what did I just buy? I have been looking for years for a genuine Vintage or Antique Chinese Jian with little success, well success for one that appeals to my eyes, there have been plenty pass me by without that certain Mystic. I found this piece at you know where and after having many extra images sent to me I was convinced of it's age and uniqueness. There are very few good visual references that I can find on Chinese swords, from what I have seen and know, this sword appears to be from Around the late 1800's to about 1920, has military fittings on the scabbard and on the swords hilt too, but as far the cross guard is concerned, from the images, it varies greatly in detail from all that I have seen on military style swords and appears chiselled and non-military. There is what appears to be the remains of a tassel that was the same material as the hilt bindings and another cloth around the top of the hilt too(maybe to keep blood from the hand's grip?). As I have not yet received this item and don't expect to for another week or two, I cannot comment on the blade. I have seen these blade before, some state that they are as old as Ming others have but them later, I do not know. The entire sword patina is even and true, the brass seven star inlay is blackened with age. The sword in sheath is 40inches. The scabbard fittings have at some stage been painted yellow but the even honest patina can be seen in both the paint and the brass fittings exposed under the paint. I do welcome comments and also answers to some of the questions that have arisen from my viewing of the sword. My questions would be from what period is this sword actually from and is the blade possibly older as seen in many other swords? What is the significance of the yellow paint on the sheath fittings? What is the significance of the unusual cross guard? And please if anything does come to light from viewing this forum, please do share what you know and Bill or Josh, I welcome your views on this matter with great interest. best regards Gavin Attached Images Last edited by freebooter; 3rd March 2008 at 01:29 PM. Reason: spelling