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Swordsman wielding a Dadao Beijing circa 1930s Photo by Hedda Morrison
Republican Era Chinese Jian with clearly visible differential heat treating of the edge plate that creates a very hard edge. This harden edge makes it excellent for cutting, and it holds its edge quite well. However, the same hardness than makes for superior cutting effectiveness also means that the edge is relatively brittle. For this reason, Chinese Sword Arts standardly deflect with the blade flat rather that parrying with the edge.
Hard blocks with sanmai (three plate) type swords, those of China and Japan, with the edge can lead to a catastrophic failure of the blade.
A High Qing Officer
Armed with a Jian. The vast majority of Manchu Bannermen carried dao, so it is quite unusual to see an official armed in this fashion.We know he is a Bannerman by the green jade thumb around his right thumb.Thumb rings were worn as a symbol of their status as Qiren. One might think that his man was left handed given that he is wearing his sword on his right hip. But the thumb ring on his right thumb indicated he was indeed right handed. Perhaps there were some social situations where those armed were required to wear their swords on the opposite hip to prevent a quick draw. If this is the case, I am unaware of such a tradition in China. My suggestion is pure speculation. It is also quite possible that the artist simple decided he liked this look better and the swords position on the right hip has nothing to do with how it was actual worn.
19th Century, Chinese School Painting.
Swordsman wielding a Dadao Beijing circa 1930s Photo by Hedda Morrison
Qing Period images of Bannermen drawing their swords are rare, so I was quite please to uncover this portrait of one unsheathing his Jian.
Comparing what we see here with other Qing Period paintings, we should note several consistent details-
When Drawing a Jian, the left hand typically grasps the scabbard near to, or at, the scabbard throat.
The upward draw into a Liao Cut appears to be the favored draw. This upward Liao can be angled to intercept a cut or initiate an advance.
Jian were often slung from a belt by cloth lanyards, however, it appears that in most cases Jianke preferred to carry the sword in the left free from any restraints a lanyard might impose.
While these details of technique and carry are those commonly depicted, we should also keep in mind that these might have also been a matter of artistic convention of the time.
Qing Bannerman The Dao was standardly slung with the hilt back in this fashion during the Qing period. Judging from this Bannerman's embroidered changpao and leopard skin jacket he is no doubt a high ranking officer.
Full Contact Chinese Swordplay Tournament Baltimore, 2023
No reason why you can’t close and use your empty hand to control your Duifang’s weapon.
A solid blow to the head or worse counts as a “killing blow” and ends the bout.
