Ancient Chinese Warring States bronze Jian sword
An exceptional ancient Chinese bronze two ring Jian sword from the Warring States Period, latter part of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (475 - 221 BC).
An important academic piece that makes for a striking decorative object. The
Warring States period in Chinese history was one of instability and conflict between many smaller Kingdom-states. The period officially ended when China was unified under Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di in 221 BC. Swords of this type are called "two-ring" swords because of the prominent rings located on the hilt. The Chinese term for this weapon is “Jian” which refers to a double-edged sword. This style of jian is generally attributed to either the Wu or the Yue state.
The sword has a pointed tip and straight edges which may indicate an earlier period Jian. The blade is heavy with a midrib and tapered edges A very impressive sword with a long, straight blade with a raised, linear ridge down its centre with repeating calligraphy decoration along the rib. It has a very shallow, short guard. The thin handle would have had leather or some other perishable material wrapped around it to form a grip. At the top is a broad, oval pommel with a vacant space that would have held some form of jewel or other decoration.
The sword originally purchased from China has been held in a private London collection until being recently acquired for sale.
Measures 46cm in length
Ancient Chinese Warring States bronze Jian sword
An exceptional ancient Chinese bronze two ring Jian sword from the Warring States Period, latter part of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (475 - 221 BC).
An important academic piece that makes for a striking decorative object. The
Warring States period in Chinese history was one of instability and conflict between many smaller Kingdom-states. The period officially ended when China was unified under Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di in 221 BC. Swords of this type are called "two-ring" swords because of the prominent rings located on the hilt. The Chinese term for this weapon is “Jian” which refers to a double-edged sword. This style of jian is generally attributed to either the Wu or the Yue state.
The sword has a pointed tip and straight edges which may indicate an earlier period Jian. The blade is heavy with a midrib and tapered edges A very impressive sword with a long, straight blade with a raised, linear ridge down its centre with repeating calligraphy decoration along the rib. It has a very shallow, short guard. The thin handle would have had leather or some other perishable material wrapped around it to form a grip. At the top is a broad, oval pommel with a vacant space that would have held some form of jewel or other decoration.
The sword originally purchased from China has been held in a private London collection until being recently acquired for sale.
Measures 46cm in length
