Chinese sword: real or fake?

Tatyana Dianova · 12th June 2007, 07:38 PM

Thank you Nick for your input! Yes, the scabbard fits perfectly.
Are there any books on Chinese swords available??? Alas, I do not have anything in my library on the subject...

Marc · 14th June 2007, 10:55 AM

Thank you for the clarifications, I must confess that the boldness of the contrast set me off.

Josh is right, of course, there's an inserted edge. I can't really make out a distinct pattern at the back, but without more detailed pictures or direct access to the blade, I can't go beyond just an opinion.

I have also to admit an instinctive distrust of Chinese "antiques", probably exacerbated after I had to certify, some time ago, the authenticity of some allegedly Shang/Zhou bronze vessels that ended up being very decent fakes. The problem wasn't really spotting them, but justify it in front of the customer, who thought to have inherited a small (or not so small) fortune...
The world of art/antique fakes is an ugly jungle, and in some areas the Chinese are real masters of this "craft".

Again, thanks for clarifying it.

Tatyana Dianova · 15th June 2007, 11:18 AM

OK, I have tried to make some pictures of the pattern at the back of the blade. Hope this helps.

Nick Wardigo · 15th June 2007, 01:03 PM

Beautiful blade.

Sadly, there are no books exclusively on the subject of Chinese swords (at least, not in the English language). There is an article on China in the book SWORDS AND HILT WEAPONS, but it's only marginally useful, focusing on a very general overview of Chinese history.

Phil Tom wrote an excellent article on Qing Dynasty sabers in the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM JOURNAL, VOLUME 36/2001. It's a little pricey for a 15-page article, but the photography is outstanding, and there's even a picture of horse-tooth patterning very similar to yours. The article focuses on several excellent Chinese sabers that the museum owns.

Bill--
I'm very interested in seeing more photos of your sabers. May I suggest opening new threads for them? For one thing, I wouldn't want to hijack this thread, and for another, I think your sabers are of sufficient quality to warrant a separate discussion.

15th June 2007, 11:18 AM	#3
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 741	OK, I have tried to make some pictures of the pattern at the back of the blade. Hope this helps. Attached Images

12th June 2007, 07:38 PM	#1
Tatyana Dianova Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 741	Thank you Nick for your input! Yes, the scabbard fits perfectly. Are there any books on Chinese swords available??? Alas, I do not have anything in my library on the subject...

14th June 2007, 10:55 AM	#2
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	Thank you for the clarifications, I must confess that the boldness of the contrast set me off. Josh is right, of course, there's an inserted edge. I can't really make out a distinct pattern at the back, but without more detailed pictures or direct access to the blade, I can't go beyond just an opinion. I have also to admit an instinctive distrust of Chinese "antiques", probably exacerbated after I had to certify, some time ago, the authenticity of some allegedly Shang/Zhou bronze vessels that ended up being very decent fakes. The problem wasn't really spotting them, but justify it in front of the customer, who thought to have inherited a small (or not so small) fortune... The world of art/antique fakes is an ugly jungle, and in some areas the Chinese are real masters of this "craft". Again, thanks for clarifying it.

15th June 2007, 01:03 PM	#4
Nick Wardigo Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 54	Beautiful blade. Sadly, there are no books exclusively on the subject of Chinese swords (at least, not in the English language). There is an article on China in the book SWORDS AND HILT WEAPONS, but it's only marginally useful, focusing on a very general overview of Chinese history. Phil Tom wrote an excellent article on Qing Dynasty sabers in the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM JOURNAL, VOLUME 36/2001. It's a little pricey for a 15-page article, but the photography is outstanding, and there's even a picture of horse-tooth patterning very similar to yours. The article focuses on several excellent Chinese sabers that the museum owns. Bill-- I'm very interested in seeing more photos of your sabers. May I suggest opening new threads for them? For one thing, I wouldn't want to hijack this thread, and for another, I think your sabers are of sufficient quality to warrant a separate discussion.