An interesting Chinese straight sword – Jian. The blade of heavy but well balanced steel, flat diamond section with a pointed tip. Engraving on both sides survives, one side with a dragon chasing the moon, the other with seven circles connected by lines. At the top of both sides there are traces of engraved chinese calligraphy with red lac inlay. The hilt with a cast bronze dragon mask for the guard, long almost two handed grip bound with split cane, and a brass pommel. The scabbard lacquered black and with iron mounts and a side hanging sling. 19th century.
far eastern