Chinese Jian Sword

By Crusader1307

Referred to as “The Gentleman of Weapons”, this 7th  Century Chinese Sword is one of the oldest. Similar to the European Longsword, The Jian was 28 to 45 inches in blade length. Mounted on an elongated wooded or bone handle, the weapon weighed 2-pounds. Straight and double-edged, was designed to be used with both hands. Seen during The Tang Dynasty (618-705 A.D.), the weapon was renovated during The Ming Period (13th Century). Brought more into line with a “long saber”, it was a favored weapon in The Imperial Army. The Jian Blade is known for becoming sharper as the edge runs the length of the blade towards it's tip. The Japanese Katana would be classed with this type of Sword.