Loading

Twin set of Chinese swords General view - Two swords

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides
Paris, France

Widely found in the West from the 16th century, when they played a specific role in fencing, twin swords only appeared in the East in the early–18th century. However, it is difficult to identify their exact use in the Middle Kingdom. The model presented here appears to have been designed for use in war.
Mostly renowned for being highly decorated and boasting delicate esthetics, Chinese weapons are certainly eye-catching. The twin swords were not an exception. With dual cutting-edge iron blades of exceptional quality, the two swords had traditional structures, with a handle composed of a half-guard sectioned across its length. The grip was treated specifically with a flat tint on one side, while the smaller hilts slot together perfectly, so that both swords can be stored in the same sheath.
The craftsman spared no effort in covering it entirely with a magnificent turquoise blue shagreen—the skin of ray or shark. The snap and decorations in copper depict foliage motifs, finely carved to match those on the hilts of the swords, resulting in a stunning set.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Twin set of Chinese swords General view - Two swords
  • Date Created: 18th century
  • Location Created: China
  • Physical Dimensions: Weapon without scabbard: 0,09 (w) x 0,75 (l) m / Weapon with scabbard: 0,85 (l) m / Blade : 0,59 (l) m, 2,040 kg
  • Provenance: acquisition date: November 29, 1895 (allocation); previous collection: Musée national des arts asiatiques - Guimet
  • Subject Keywords: Ornament, Gilding, Vegetation
  • Type: Épée
  • Rights: Photo (C) Paris - Musée de l'Armée, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Emilie Cambier
  • Medium: Fer, Galuchat, Alliage cuivreux, Bois, Or, Doré, Ciselé
  • Inventory: 5245 I
Musée de l'Armée - Hôtel des Invalides

Additional Items

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Interested in Design?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites