Chinese Swords: The Evolution and Use of the Jian and Dao

Knives, Swords, and Bayonets: A World History of Edged Weapon Warfare, #5

Nonfiction, History, Military, Weapons
Cover of the book Chinese Swords: The Evolution and Use of the Jian and Dao by Martina Sprague, Martina Sprague
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Martina Sprague ISBN: 9781386565314
Publisher: Martina Sprague Publication: March 14, 2018
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Martina Sprague
ISBN: 9781386565314
Publisher: Martina Sprague
Publication: March 14, 2018
Imprint:
Language: English

Edged weapons became a mainstay in early Chinese history and through the Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE) dynasties. The Chinese used swords to settle personal disputes, win military battles, and indicate one’s social and martial status through the end of the Imperial Period.

China, a country of vast resources, developed its metal and iron industry earlier than its western counterparts and achieved great advances in metallurgic science. There were two classes of Chinese swords: the straight double edged jian and the slightly curved single edged dao. The jian proved effective mainly for chivalry combat in the Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE), and was later carried by the nobility as a symbol of status. Military officers, perhaps because of their association with the nobility, seem to have preferred the double edged jian over the dao. The dao proved useful mainly in cavalry combat, which started to gain popularity in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BCE-9 CE). The dao was a true soldier’s weapon that required more attention to fighting skill than finesse.

This book follows a chronological path through China’s dynasties, exploring sword design and swordsmanship. The concluding remarks recap the long history of the sword with focus on the philosophical value one assigned the weapon.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Edged weapons became a mainstay in early Chinese history and through the Ming (1368-1644 CE) and Qing (1644-1912 CE) dynasties. The Chinese used swords to settle personal disputes, win military battles, and indicate one’s social and martial status through the end of the Imperial Period.

China, a country of vast resources, developed its metal and iron industry earlier than its western counterparts and achieved great advances in metallurgic science. There were two classes of Chinese swords: the straight double edged jian and the slightly curved single edged dao. The jian proved effective mainly for chivalry combat in the Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BCE), and was later carried by the nobility as a symbol of status. Military officers, perhaps because of their association with the nobility, seem to have preferred the double edged jian over the dao. The dao proved useful mainly in cavalry combat, which started to gain popularity in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BCE-9 CE). The dao was a true soldier’s weapon that required more attention to fighting skill than finesse.

This book follows a chronological path through China’s dynasties, exploring sword design and swordsmanship. The concluding remarks recap the long history of the sword with focus on the philosophical value one assigned the weapon.

More books from Martina Sprague

Cover of the book Machete, Kris, and Throwing Iron: Edged Weapons of Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Pike, Halberd, and Bayonet: Sharp Weapons in Near Modern and Modern Warfare by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Sun Tzu's Art of War: Profound or Ordinary? The Writings of the Great Chinese Sage Reconsidered from a Western Perspective by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Japanese Swords: The Katana and Gunto in Medieval and Modern Japanese Warfare by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Kickboxing: Stance, Footwork, And Basic Movement: From Initiation To Knockout by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Managing Failure by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book 8 Ways to Benefit from Critique and Testing in the Martial Arts by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book 100 Ways to Become a Better, Prouder, Smarter, Stronger, and More Respected Leader: The Courageous Leader's Pocket Companion by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book America in World Wars I and II by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Knife and Empty-Hand Defenses Compared by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Knife Offense (Five Books in One) by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Kickboxing: The Front Kick, Roundhouse Kick, And Side Thrust Kick: From Initiation To Knockout by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Kickboxing: The Cross, Hook, And Uppercut: From Initiation To Knockout by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book The Power Trip: How to Survive and Thrive in the Dojo by Martina Sprague
Cover of the book Fight or Flight by Martina Sprague
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy