Description

A rare dagger from Yunnan. It has a substantial blade with an elegant clipped tip and red lacquered grooves. Both features remind of earlier Chinese military sabers of the 17th century and may reflect local memory of pro-Ming and Qing military presence in the area in the 17th century.

The hilt is entirely clad in silver, terminating in the typical bulb pommel that is mainly associated with the Dai people of Yunnan. The rest of the hilt is decorated with stylized rolling thunder carvings, resembling the greek key of Europe, and two bands with four cartouches showing different flowers and the accouterments of four of the Eight Immortals of Daoist lore. The guard is a small copper plate.

The scabbard consists of halves of wood, held together by a series of silver bands. Mouthpiece and endpiece are decorated with bands of flowers in repousse, and their inner edges are cut in traditional Chinese cloud head shapes, yúntóu (雲頭) which also can be interpreted as stylized língzhī (灵芝) mushrooms.

At the center is a mount shaped like a double lozenge, fāngshèng (方胜), which is considered a lucky symbol and in some interpretations represents victory.

Condition

In very good condition throughout. No damage, losses or repairs.

Conclusion

An almost perfect example of a very rare type of Yunnanese dagger. The references to earlier Qing swords are an interesting touch. The blade is quite substantial and very well made.