Vietnamese high class ‘Guom’ saber

With the French colonization of Vietnam in 1802, European influence began to shape the design of Vietnamese weapons. By the early 19th century, traditional Vietnamese swordsmanship saw the gradual introduction of European elements, such as the characteristic D-shaped guards and lion head pommels. This fusion of European styles blended seamlessly with aesthetic Asian features, including intricate silver and mother-of-pearl inlays, and the use of precious woods.

These sabers were primarily wielded by high-ranking palace guards and dignitaries during formal ceremonies, which were often inspired by traditional Mandarin customs. Officers of high rank carried specially crafted parade sabers, which were exquisitely decorated with mother-of-pearl, silver, and copper inlays, and often featured silver fittings. The hilts were made from a variety of materials, including ivory, molar tooth, horn, brass, and sometimes ivory, with pommels crafted from silver or silvered bronze.

Though the blades were mainly designed for ceremonial purposes—sometimes even made of brass—there were occasional examples of functional saber blades with detailed floral engravings. Some of these blades were even imported from France, adding another layer of European craftsmanship to this distinctive blend of cultures.

A Mandarin surrounded with his guards. Source: Vo Quan Nguyen ‘ s Committee

This is a remarkable example featuring a copper hilt inlaid with delicate silver flowers and enhanced by the niello technique. The dragon-shaped pommel is paired with a D-shaped guard, intricately chased with decorative grapevines and auspicious symbols. The brass blade, purely ceremonial as is often the case, adds to the overall elegance of the piece. The scabbard is a true work of art, adorned with exquisite mother-of-pearl inlays depicting arabesque scrolls, grapevines, and playful squirrels. The wooden slabs are secured by three repoussé silver fittings, each depicting mythical creatures such as phoenixes, dragons, turtles, and qilin. The brass blade is affixed to the hilt with a pommel cap.

An interesting feature on the hilt is the inscription that reads: 阿 巢 靈 词 (A Sào Linh Từ) ‘The Holy temple of A Sao’, a temple dedicated to general Tran hung Dao, a famous Vietnamese general who defeated the Yuan-Mongol armies three times in 13th century. Our sword presented here was most likely part of the ceremonial belongings of the temple.