Rare Ancient Chinese Warring States 475-221 B.C. Bronze Sword Jian 戰國 青銅劍

Rare Aauthentic Ancient Chinese Warring States period 475-221 B.C. archaic compound bronze sword (Jian),戰國 青銅劍.

This rare, high-quality bimetallic bronze sword features a long, tapering double-edged blade with a median ridge. The blade has beveled edges that lead to a pointed tip. The hilt includes a short rhombus-shaped cross-guard and a slightly tapered, tubular hollow handle that connects to a disc-shaped pommel.

These high-quality swords were crafted in multiple stages. This sword features a softer core made with a higher copper content, enhancing its tensile strength and allowing for flexibility to prevent breakage. The edges, on the other hand, contain a higher tin content, which helps maintain harder, sharper edges for better cutting performance.

Swords like this were generally made for very important or high-ranking soldiers.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length: 47 cm ( 18.5 inches).

Length of the blade: 38 cm (14.96 inches).

Width of the blade: 4 cm (1.57 ).

Weight: 541 grams ( 1.193 pounds).

CONDITION: The item shows signs of age and use, but it is in 100% genuine original condition with no repairs or restoration. The surface features a natural silver-grey patina, along with extensive malachite green and earth encrustation.

The blade's tip is broken and slightly bent, indicating that this damage occurred during combat when the soldier who owned the sword attempted to pierce the opponent's armor.

Please note that the pictures in the listing are a part of the description of the object's condition.

REFERENCES :

To view the related swords in Sotheby's sales, please see the links below:

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/a-journey-through-chinas-history-the-dr-wou-kiuan-collection-part-3/a-bronze-sword-warring-states-period-zhan-guo-qing-2?locale=fr

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/two-americans-in-paris-the-collection-of-sam-and-myrna-myers/an-archaic-bronze-sword-warring-states-period-zhan

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/important-chinese-art-5/two-archaic-gilt-bronze-swords-jian-warring-states

1. "The Path to Victory: Exhibition of the Art of War and Fine Antiques of the Ancient Chinese Military" by ZHONG GUO REN MIN GE MING JUN SHI BO WU GUAN BEN SHE.

2. "Soldiers of the Dragon: Chinese Armies 1500 B.C. - A.D. 1840" by C.J. Peers.

3. "Ancient Chinese Armies, 1500 B.C. - 200 B.C." by C.J. Peers.

4. History of Steel in Eastern Asia: A View on the Development of Weaponry by Hou Seng

The buyer will be provided with a copy of the pages from the mentioned references, together with a certificate of authenticity.

PROVENANCE: From an old Canadian collection.

NOTE: The significant demand for Chinese antiques and antiquities, including ancient Chinese bronze weapons, has led to the emergence of many reproductions in the American and European antiquities markets. These reproductions include swords, daggers, maces, axes, and arrowheads.

In many cases, these objects are well-made and professionally aged, showing signs of damage, patina, and being covered with earthen deposits to simulate an old appearance. As a result, they can appear indistinguishable from authentic ancient artifacts to inexperienced collectors. However, it is important to note that these reproductions have no historical or investment value.

We would like to inform our clients that this is a 100% authentic ancient Chinese sword from the Warring States Period (475–221 B.C.) and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

To see all 13 pictures of the sword please see the link below:

https://www.antiquesword101.com/Islamic-Oriental-Arms-and-Armor.php#!/Rare-Ancient-Chinese-Warring-States-475-221-B-C-Bronze-Sword-Jian-%E6%88%B0%E5%9C%8B-%E9%9D%92%E9%8A%85%E5%8A%8D/p/730826796