חרב עלה הערבה - Liu Yue Dao
The blade of gentle curviture with steel tunkou (collar) is forged of qiangang with the hardened edge and active pattern revealed by polishing and etch. The ensuite cast fittngs are decorated with a fudog motif and of a later period than blade, most likely of the Republican era. The blade in very good condition with one minor nick to hardened edge. Fittings in excellent condition, with the handle wrap intact and scabbard in good condition.
During the Tang dynasty, blades in China were forged with facetted cross sections, giving raise to this design in Japan.This design feature was continued in Japan long after a change in style on the continent. After the Mongol Yuan dynasty was replaced by the native Ming, 'classic' Han styles of design from the Tang and Song dynasties became popular and saber blades were once again forged with facetted blades. This style of blade remained in fashion into the 18th century. In our experience, existing blades of this form date from the mid-18th century or earlier.
30" blade, 37" overall
חרב עלה הערבה - Liu Yue Dao
The blade of qiangang construction with an active laminar pattern and with two fullers precisely cut running nearly the blades length. The style of the sword and fittings generally conforming to the Qing Imperial Regulations for high officials. The ensuite fittings decorated with archaic dragon motif with gold guilding, 100% intact. Deep red colored shark skin of hilt and scabbard recently renewed. The extravagant use of gold on this sword is far from gaudy, instead its elegant use demonstrates a refined taste on its owners behalf. Very near perfect mint condition.
This saber is of a classic style carried by both military and civil officials from the Late Ming through out the whole of the Qing period. I suspect this particular sword was carried by a high ranking general during the early 19th century due to the quality of the blade. Civil official most likely would have opted for a lighter blade as their weapons were used solely for parade.
28" blade, 36" overall
חרב עלה הערבה - Liu Yue Dao
Of Mid-Qing dynasty (18th c.), with a blade of graceful curve, pronounced ridge lines, without fullers or backedge is of qiangang in full polish. The grip of lacquered wood, provided with a hole for a sword knot, lined with floriate bushings of brass. Guard of quadrilobate form, with circumferential flange, finely engraved with stylized floral patterns reminiscent of Islamic Motifs. The suspension bar & bands deeply chiselled with archaic Chinese designs. Mounts of guilt brass now encrusted with a dark patina. Wood storage scabbard is new; throat & cape missing. Fittings in excellent condition, blade in good condition but tired in some areas.
There is little question that this is a saber from the Emperor Qianlong's era (r. 1736-95) as during his reign he had many of his personal swords& those of his guards hilted in the Indian Mugal fashion, popularizing this style of hilt for the first time in China. This fashion died out after his time on the Dragon Throne. The facetted blade, derived from Ming proto types (who in turn borrowed it from the Tang) was another feature that did not remain popular after the 18th century.
22" blade, 30" overall
חרב הנסיכים - Qinwang-Junwang Pei Dao
Early - mid 19th century. The robust, bifullered blade with "blind" backedge and scalloped brass tunkou, of giangang construction, partially polished and etched (isolated areas of minor pitting, very minor edge irregularly from old sharpening.) The brass mounts en suite, depicting stylized dragons executed in open work, set with precious red coral, turquoise and quarts ( the latter in lieu of the pearls specified by regulations published in the Qianlong era.) The grip of rosewood (originally wrapped in yellow silk braid). and the scabbard covered in fine polished green rayskin (latter replacement of lacquered original). A rare example of a high-ranking official's saber of the late Qing Dynasty. In excellent condition.
This type of saber was carried by members of the Manchu aristocracy of princely rank, the Qinwang who were sons of the emperor. It was also carried by Junwang who ruled over areas larger than provinces. A Qinwang may also have been a Junwang, but a Junwang need not necessarily be a the emperor's son. These aristocrats were only out ranked by the emperor and at time wielded more power than the emperor. They were also entitled to wear four clawed dragon (mang) on their robes and armor.
30 3/4" blade, 37 1/2" overall
חרב עלה הערבה - Liu Yue Dao
The gently-curving blade with a brass collar, with two narrow fullers & six dimples each side, & with a seven inch backedge. With scattered areas of pitting, & a fatigue crack at the base of back edge. The mounts of brass en suite except for the pommel deeply-chiselled with motifs inspired by European rococo. The rounded cape scabbard & curved grip covered with recently-applied stained & polished ray skin. All in very good condition.
27" blade, 32.75" overall
