Chinese ‘Paidao’ sword

A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.

Details of this item

Price

€ 650

Status

Available

Region

East Asia (China, Korea, Japan)
(South China)

Period

19th century

Materials

Steel, Brass, Wood

Price

€ 650

Status

Available

Region

East Asia (China, Korea, Japan)

(South China)

Period

19th century

Materials

Steel, Brass, Wood

Description

A single Chinese ‘Paidao’ (牌刀) sword with carved wooden grip and bronze D-shaped guard. These side-arms were originally used within the Qing military, while holding a rattan shield and were mainly manufactured in Southern China. Often described as pirate swords or butterfly swords, but the ‘hudiedao’ and ‘paidao’ seems to be a notable weapon of the Chinese Qing military.
This ‘Paidao’ is a single version of the double knife ‘Hudiedao’ and dates from around 1860. Besides the military, a large number of militias were also equipped with the ‘hudiedao‘ or so called ‘eight cutting knives‘. The knives were also highly appreciated by martial arts practitioners, who preferred the wide bladed types, due to their capability of handling and practice skills.
The hilt:
The bronze knucklebow seems to have a mixture of alloys to harden it and make it capable to ward off strikes. The handle is made of precious wood and decorated with typical Southern Chinese carved ‘rolling thunder’ cartouches within scenes of a magpie and  deer, which are considered auspicious symbols, surrounded in floral motifs and flower petals. The ferrule’s are made of brass and show a facetted pattern.
The blade:
The blade is rather long, heavy and wide and is in excellent condition. A closer inspection of the blade shows that it is of high quality forged steel. It has a slightly rounded spine and is rather long and slim which makes it suitable for both thrusting and cutting.

Chinese ‘Paidao’ sword

Condition

Good condition, slightly over cleaned by the previous owner.

Dimensions

Hilt length: 15.8cm

Blade length: 50cm

Blade spine thickness: 4.9mm

Total length: 63cm

Weight

857g.

Comparable items

Provenance

French art market

Literature

A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.
A 'Paidao' shortsword with fine carved hilt. South-China, 19th century.