An extremely rare full bronze Chinese Tau-Kien Mace or Jian 鐧 Truncheon. The handle is made of wood with carved lines for grip. The pommel is square shaped and engraved with floral motives. The bar is elagonated and tapered to the point accruing from a dragon’s mouth. These maces are considered very rare and are described as Tau-Kien in George Cameron Stone’s ”A glossary of the construction,decoration and use of arms and armour in all country’s and in all times”. Not really defined if for fighting purpose or exercise, but this example with bronze square shaped bar shows traces of use and is heavy enough to be able to fight with.
The mace has a fine original maintained patina and the maker paid attention to details on the dragons face such as the nose holes and teeth.

China, Qing Dynasty (19th century)

Condition: Very good, there is some slight movement on the guard and the handle has a few small damages. One of the dragon’s horn is broken off long ago as can be seen on photo.

Dimensions:

Handle: 14cm
Bar/blade: 47cm
Total length: 61cm

Weight: 1200 grams

Sources: George Cameron Stone’s ”A glossary of the construction,decoration and use of arms and armour in all country’s and in all times”. The (page 608)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright by Peter Andeweg – 2020