Jianruiying (2); weapons and equipment
The Jianruiying was an elite division of the Qing dynasty military consisting of crack troops that were specially tra
Antique wide bladed hudiedao
Introduction
The hudiedao (蝴蝶刀), are a type of double swords peculiar to the port cities of so
Village militia dadao
Description
A large Chinese double handed falchion of a form that is both related to the niuweidao
A Chinese hook sword
A rather well-made example of its type.Chinese jade handled dagger
It has a solid pale green jade hilt that is fitted to a silver collar-piece.Chinese double shortswords
A good set of the first half of the 19th century, with large and rather heavy forge folded blades.Antique Chinese saber fittings
Description
An antique set of scabbard fittings for a Chinese saber, probably second half of the 18th centu
Rare iconographic Mongolian style knife
Introduction
Many Mongols, the Khalkas in particular, had close ties with the Manchu ruling elite during th
Antique Chinese jian
A fine Chinese straightsword blade, of typical Qing form with a rather wide profile.Late Qing southern saber
With differential heat-treatment, creating a cloudy crystalline effect along the edge.Chinese openwork (loukong) saber guard
The archetypical Chinese sword guard of the 17th century.Antique Chinese bronze mace
Introduction
Chinese civilian martial artists used a wide variety of weapons.
Chinese trousse with inlaid iron mounts
Background
Sets with a knife and chopsticks -and sometimes some other utensils- were common all over the Qi
Qing dynasty hunter's powder flask
Introduction
The elite of the Qing dynasty was Manchu, who before taking over China from the Ming lived in
Early Qing saber
A rare Chinese officer's saber of the 17th century.Jianruiying (1); introduction
The Jianruiying were a small elite unit of specially selected Manchu soldiers under the Qing dynasty. They were trained to overcome rough terrain, obstacles, and rivers in order to commence special attacks towards fortifications. In some ways, they are comparable to today's special forces.Chinese tiger fork
One of the classic weapons in Chinese martial arts.Chinese sword breaker
With tapering blade, hollow ground on each side to make the edges slightly sharper.Excellent Qing officer saber
Introduction
The yaodao, literally "waist saber" was the standard side-arm for the Qing dynasty mi
A Sirdan, or Manchu war arrow
This large and imposing type of war arrow is often compared to a small spear.Peidao in iron fangshi mounts
Introduction
The terms peidao or yaodao are synonyms that were in use simultaneously in Q
A fine Chinese yànchìdāo
It comes with its complete set of fittings in a thick gauge of báitóng.Southern Chinese saber
Introduction
The yaodao, literally "waist saber" was the standard side-arm for the Qing dynasty mi
A Chinese sword breaker (jian)
Introduction
In Chinese military culture, there has long been a distinction between two hea
Heavy Manchu war or strength bow
With an estimated draw weight of 160-200 pounds.A good pair of butterfly swords
Introduction
The hudiedao (蝴蝶刀), are a type of double swords peculiar to the port
Chinese saber of the Chaoyang army
Late 18th century, complete with its original scabbard.19th century Qing military saber
With massive 10mm thick blade with strong distal taper.Qing dynasty imperial edict box
Used to move imperial orders from the emperor’s quarters to the recipient.A wide Chinese fighting knife
With the relatively rare feature of a raised backedge.Chinese shuangdao - double sabers
With narrow liuyedao blades of moderate curvature.Chinese trousse set with glass trinkets
Introduction
Sets with a knife and chopsticks and sometimes some other utensils were common all over the Qi
Shuangjian with ivory grips
A deluxe set of double straightswords with carved ivory grips and gilt mounts.Chinese twistcore presentation saber
An unusually large presentation saber in the style of high-end Chinese military sabers.Chinese saber with "naginata-hi"
A Chinese waist saber or yaodao / peidao of the first half of the 18th century.
A Chinese scholar's sword
Introduction
The Chinese straightsword or jiàn (劍) was traditionally the side-arm
Ming militia sword
An honest, unpretentious fighting weapon of the Ming-Qing period.Chinese saber with U-grooves
With twist-core steel and of early liuyedao form. Probably 17th century.Chinese saber with segmented grooves
With openwork brass mounts in early imperial style.Large Chinese Daoist sword
Chiseled in the blade is “勅今” which could either mean "imperial order" or "Daoist magic command".Chinese javelin head
Description
At first sight, this may look like a miniature version of a standard Qing spearhead.
Trousse with "horse-tooth" blade
Accomplished by bending the edge up and down alternately and polishing it smooth again.Large jian with saber guard
Built around an excellent sanmei blade.Of geese and willows
The differences between 雁毛刀 yanmaodao (goose-quill saber) and 柳葉刀 liuyedao ("willow-leaf sa
A typology of Chinese sabers
Introduction
Historical references on Chinese saber types are scarce, and the information they provide scan
A Qing imperial quiver
From my personal collection. A quiver that was once worn at court ceremonies by high ranked officers and imperial guardsman that protected the emperor of the Qing dynasty.The Demon Repeller - Talisman sword
Introduction
The Chinese straightsword or jian (劍) was the side arm of the Ch
Chinese iron ruler
Introduction
As a non-military weapon, not much was written about Chinese tiě chǐ