The Saber of the Qing Empire: Peculiarities of Chronology and Morphology

Abstract

Purpose. The article describes the peculiarities of chronology and morphology of the saber of the Qing Dynasty. Additionally, it analyzes the design, system and techniques of decoration, as well as the materials used for the manufacture of the scabbard.
Results. The total length of the saber is 88 cm including the length of the blade 70.8 cm. When in the scabbard, the length is 101.8 cm. The blade is made of Damascus steel in 18^th century and the fittings of the hilt and scabbard are made of cooper alloy using the punch technique. Their surface is decorated with elaborated ornament representing playing human figures and clouds. The total style of fittings is fangshi but the material and technique applied are not characteristic for the genuine fittings of Qing 18^th century sabers, they were obviously made in the end of Qing period imitating the high-Qing style. In general, the saber has the blade of Damascus steel made in 18^th century mounted into the copper alloy fittings in fangshi style made in the late 19^th – early 20^th century.
Conclusion. The saber is a rare survived sample of the high-quality blade made in 18th century with almost intact geometry, and fittings interesting in respect of techniques used and the plot of ornamentation, made in late 19^th – early 20^th century. As the piece of high-Qing period blade it could be regarded as the interesting sample of the art of highQing era swordsmiths and decorative art of the end of the imperial period in respect of fittings. Putting this saber into the scholar circulation gives the valuable material to the researchers for attribution of Qing edged weapons in museum and private collections.