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a white and black object on top of a black and gold objecta toothbrush with a design on it on a white surfacea toothbrush that is sitting on a white surfacea wooden stick with a floral design on ita picture of a wooden stick with a design on ita picture of a knife with a gold medallion on ita knife that is laying on the ground next to a piece of papera knife that is sitting next to a gold and black objecta knife that is laying on a white surfacea knife that is laying on a white surfacea knife that is sitting next to a statuea close up of a knife on a white surface next to a ruleran image of a figurine of a cat on a stick
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151 - A rare ceremonial straight sword known as a Jian (劍).
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Estimate €1,500 - €3,000
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Description
A rare ceremonial straight sword known as a Jian (劍). The finely carved nephrite jade hilt is encircled by two protruding bands imitating a twisted cord in relief; the scalloped pommel is crowned by a knob surrounded by stylised petals. The guard is adorned with scrollwork in the shape of a ruyi. The double-edged steel blade, probably of European manufacture, is engraved with a mark inspired by the markings of the VOC (Dutch East India Company). The lacquered scabbard is richly decorated with polychrome stylised foliage and flowers, punctuated by gilt copper alloy fittings, stamped and chiselled with Shou symbols and Greek fretwork friezes. China, late 18th – early 19th century. Total length: 80 cm. Sheath length: 65 cm. (Scratches and minute chips on the hilt; signs of wear). This jian is particularly distinguished by its elegance and the opulence of its decoration and materials. Such meticulous attention to detail suggests that this sword was carried by a high-ranking figure, possibly a civil or military mandarin or a close member of the imperial family. The mark engraved on the blade, almost identical to the referenced 17th- and 18th-century Dutch inscriptions also found on other weapons from China and South-East Asia, suggests that the blade was most likely imported from Europe, a practice attested by numerous period examples. It could also be a case of a local craftsman re-adopting this mark. Expert: Bastien LARNAUD
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About the sale Tableware, Non-European Art and Furniture and Works of Art
Auction location
Auction time 11/05/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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