With a golden damascened lock of the Indo-Portuguese type.
This item has been sold.
Overall length
92.5 cm
Blade length
73 cm
Blade thickness
Base 7mm (just ahead of collar)
Middle 6mm
Start of backedge 5 mm
Near tip 3.5 mm
Weight
828 grams
Point of balance
17.5 cm from guard
Materials
Iron, steel, brass, wood, leather, fabric.
Origin
Qing dynasty, China.
Dating
Late 18th, early 19th century.
Provenance
Ex Philip Tom collection
Sold
Description
This Chinese liǔyèdāo is an excellent example of Chinese bladesmithing at its best. It features a thick but slender southern-style blade with a very long back bevel. Both sides have two grooves and a dimple at the base, each lower groove extends a little longer than the upper. The blade is forge-folded, showing a very fine grain pattern without any forging flaws. The edge consists of a number of higher carbon plates that were hardened in tempering. Precision of forging and shaping is top notch and as good as Chinese work gets.
At the base of the blade is a brass tūnkǒu.
The original hilt mounts consist of thick pierced brass mounts in a late 18th-century style. The grip was re-wrapped with green cord. The scabard is associated, but a good fit. The scabbard end piece is missing.
Currently available:
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