[Philip]

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