Boxer/Republican era dadao

Maskell · 7th July 2012, 04:06 PM

Hi Thepepperskull you inquired if anyone had any Chinese da-dao to share, I have about 200 of them mostly in poor condition. Hi KukulzA28 I'm also in the Boston area so one more lover of da-dao here.

Best,
Maskell
Jerry

ariel · 9th July 2012, 01:12 PM

In the lower pic, the 3rd from the right: how often do you see this type of crossgurad ( snail-like), and is it in any way indicative of age, location, quality etc. ?

Jim McDougall · 9th July 2012, 02:22 PM

On the 'snail like' crossguard....if I recall correctly it is similar to the jian like guards seen on early kora from Tibetan regions (I think early 18th century and think one is seen in Stone). I think this of course suggests possible far western Chinese frontier use....speculation of course.

Maskell, impressive (and huge!) grouping of these swords......with this number of examples have you worked on any developmental arrangement with variations or possibly other indicators in identification? It would be fascinating to know more!! For me ,condition is irrelevant but learning from these examples would be extremely valuable.

Neil · 9th July 2012, 09:24 PM

The "rams horn" guard seems to be a rather common guard form. As far as indicative of a a region, I have some that I know were collected in Northern China (Shandong, Shanxi). Although I do not think they were exclusive to this area. In relation to quality, I have seen this form on working class service pieces generally speaking. I believe my examples to be Qing era.

KuKulzA28 · 10th July 2012, 04:52 AM

The antique Da-Dao I have seen in Taiwan seem to have curled guards, S-guards, and "cup" guards in roughly equal proportion... but WW2 Da-Dao seem to be stereotypically S-guarded...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maskell

Hi Thepepperskull you inquired if anyone had any Chinese da-dao to share, I have about 200 of them mostly in poor condition. Hi KukulzA28 I'm also in the Boston area so one more lover of da-dao here.

Best,
Maskell
Jerry

That's great! That makes at least 3!

ariel · 12th July 2012, 02:22 AM

Here is mine, recently acquired.
The fullers are perfectly executed, the wrapping cord is flat and original, with wooden cheeks underneath. The blade rings like a bell.
I am gently removing the crud. Surprisingly, there is very little pitting, just a couple of superficial and very small spots. I do not want to shine it bright: its wrinkles make me feel being on the same page......

Will ve very grateful for any comments.

ariel · 12th July 2012, 02:23 AM

Continued......

ariel · 12th July 2012, 02:24 AM

Even with very incomplete cleaning I seem to be able to see laminated structures.

ariel · 14th July 2012, 09:00 PM

Hoping to get opinions, I go.... Bump! :-)

7th July 2012, 04:06 PM	#1
Maskell Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 38	Hi Thepepperskull you inquired if anyone had any Chinese da-dao to share, I have about 200 of them mostly in poor condition. Hi KukulzA28 I'm also in the Boston area so one more lover of da-dao here. Best, Maskell Jerry Attached Images

9th July 2012, 09:24 PM	#4
Neil Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 114	The "rams horn" guard seems to be a rather common guard form. As far as indicative of a a region, I have some that I know were collected in Northern China (Shandong, Shanxi). Although I do not think they were exclusive to this area. In relation to quality, I have seen this form on working class service pieces generally speaking. I believe my examples to be Qing era. Last edited by Neil; 10th July 2012 at 02:38 PM.

12th July 2012, 02:22 AM	#6
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Here is mine, recently acquired. The fullers are perfectly executed, the wrapping cord is flat and original, with wooden cheeks underneath. The blade rings like a bell. I am gently removing the crud. Surprisingly, there is very little pitting, just a couple of superficial and very small spots. I do not want to shine it bright: its wrinkles make me feel being on the same page...... Will ve very grateful for any comments. Attached Images

12th July 2012, 02:23 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Continued...... Attached Images

9th July 2012, 01:12 PM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	In the lower pic, the 3rd from the right: how often do you see this type of crossgurad ( snail-like), and is it in any way indicative of age, location, quality etc. ?

9th July 2012, 02:22 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	On the 'snail like' crossguard....if I recall correctly it is similar to the jian like guards seen on early kora from Tibetan regions (I think early 18th century and think one is seen in Stone). I think this of course suggests possible far western Chinese frontier use....speculation of course. Maskell, impressive (and huge!) grouping of these swords......with this number of examples have you worked on any developmental arrangement with variations or possibly other indicators in identification? It would be fascinating to know more!! For me ,condition is irrelevant but learning from these examples would be extremely valuable.

12th July 2012, 02:24 AM	#8
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Even with very incomplete cleaning I seem to be able to see laminated structures.

14th July 2012, 09:00 PM	#9
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Hoping to get opinions, I go.... Bump! :-)