Sword with Scabbard
Unknown Artist
18th–19th century
Medium
Steel, silver, wood
Dimensions
L. with scabbard 41 3/4 in. (106 cm); L. without scabbard 40 7/8 in. (103.8 cm); L. of blade 33 in. (83.8 cm); W. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 2.9 oz. (989.4 g); Wt. of scabbard 13.8 oz. (391.2 g)
Classification
Swords
Culture
Chinese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.1486a, b
Art Historical Context
This elegant Chinese sword with scabbard, dating to the 18th–19th century, exemplifies masterful craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty arms makers. Crafted from steel for its razor-sharp 33-inch blade, with silver fittings and wooden elements for the hilt and sheath, the weapon measures an imposing 41¾ inches overall and weighs just over 2 pounds without its scabbard. Such precise dimensions reflect its dual role as both a functional combat tool and a status symbol, balancing lethality with portability for mounted warriors or officials. In Chinese culture, swords like this—likely a dao or jian type—h...