Vietnamese short kiem
This item has been sold.
Overall length

Sheathed 64.5 cm

Sword 58.8 cm

Blade length

45.6 cm

Blade thickness

Base 6 mm

Middle 4 mm

5 cm from tip 3 mm

Blade width

Base 25 mm

Middle 23 mm

5 cm from tip 19 mm

Weight

340 grams

Point of balance

9 cm from hilt

Materials

Iron, steel, buffalo horn, wood, cotton cord

Origin

Vietnam

Dating

19th century

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Description

A short Vietnamese kiếm () sword, modeled closely after the Chinese duǎn jiàn (短劍) of the Ming period. It features a well-made double-edged blade with dual grooves on each side and a rounded tip.

The hilt is carved from a single piece of black buffalo horn. Guard and pommel in Ming style with scrolling elements. The grip is ribbed and carved with highly stylized longevity symbols, shòu ().

The scabbard is made of two plates of wood, kept together with cord.

The sword has a lively feeling in the hand and has proper weight and balance, it was, besides a status symbol, also a practical user.

Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem
Short Vietnamese kiem

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