Chinese Jian sword, is it authentic?

Roland_M · 15th January 2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timo Nieminen

judging by really deep nicks in them, probably from children or adult children playing with them .

These blades has been used for show fights in front of a paying audience in streets on markets and so on.

Roland

Philip · 15th January 2018, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland_M

These blades has been used for show fights in front of a paying audience in streets on markets and so on.

Roland

Judging from photos taken at the close of the 19th cent. until the 1930s, these short jian were not typically part of these street mountebanks' and brawlers' kit. Most often seen in these images are niuweidao (ox-tail sabers), hudiedao (butterfly knives), spears, tridents with washer-like jingles on the shaft, and hook swords. Very powerful bows, of the type used in the military examinations, are sometimes seen in these pictures, used by street athletes demonstrating their prowess by drawing them in various ways, including with their teeth!

sakimori · 18th January 2018, 05:38 PM

"Jian" in this length is generally considered as "文房剑",which could roughly translate into "swords of the study room" and serve as playable art crafts,talismanic item,and perhaps(in those cases the sword would have a shorter blade)cutting paper and e.t.c.,which also means as products,these swords mainly targerts rich people,so perhaps not a purely weapon design.
Back to the sword itself,I'm not familiar with this type to judge its age,but it actually has a very good set of fitting.In these days,It's not even easy to find a decent reproduce of it.

David R · 18th January 2018, 09:06 PM

You have given me a whole new area to research there, thank you for this. Also explains these nice but not very functional Jian that turn up from time to time.

Kmaddock · 19th January 2018, 09:52 AM

Thanks all for the information
I will try and etch the sword to see if i can bring up the lamination better
regards
Ken

mross · 19th January 2018, 03:31 PM

Try and get the attention of Gavin Nugent at swordsandantiqueweapons.com, this is an area he excels at.

Kmaddock · 19th January 2018, 03:54 PM

Hi,

I just looked at his web site and the header has the following message

"Please know, that due to ill health, all sales and website trading are currently suspended, It is unknown as to when, or if at all, trading will continue."

Bit upset at this as I have dealt with and spoken with Gavin and he was always very gentlemanly to deal with.

Gavin if you read this I wish you well,

regards,

Ken

18th January 2018, 05:38 PM	#3
sakimori Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 26	"Jian" in this length is generally considered as "文房剑",which could roughly translate into "swords of the study room" and serve as playable art crafts,talismanic item,and perhaps(in those cases the sword would have a shorter blade)cutting paper and e.t.c.,which also means as products,these swords mainly targerts rich people,so perhaps not a purely weapon design. Back to the sword itself,I'm not familiar with this type to judge its age,but it actually has a very good set of fitting.In these days,It's not even easy to find a decent reproduce of it.

18th January 2018, 09:06 PM	#4
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,120	You have given me a whole new area to research there, thank you for this. Also explains these nice but not very functional Jian that turn up from time to time.

19th January 2018, 09:52 AM	#5
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Thanks all for the information I will try and etch the sword to see if i can bring up the lamination better regards Ken

19th January 2018, 03:31 PM	#6
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	Try and get the attention of Gavin Nugent at swordsandantiqueweapons.com, this is an area he excels at.

19th January 2018, 03:54 PM	#7
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Hi, I just looked at his web site and the header has the following message "Please know, that due to ill health, all sales and website trading are currently suspended, It is unknown as to when, or if at all, trading will continue." Bit upset at this as I have dealt with and spoken with Gavin and he was always very gentlemanly to deal with. Gavin if you read this I wish you well, regards, Ken