Sword exhibits

[GeneChing]

We've discussed some art museum exhibits such as Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868 at the Met (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55582) and Lords of the Samurai at the the San Francisco Asian Art Museum (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54002).

This weekend is the SAN FRANCISCO TOKEN KAI (http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm) (August 19 - 22, 2010). I've been to these before, back when they were in the Miyako. I'm hoping to make it out there this weekend.

[GeneChing]

Here's some pics. There are more on our MySpace site (http://www.myspace.com/kungfumagazine/photos/albums/events-2/1591064?page=2). I tried to post them on our Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kung-Fu-Tai-Chi-Magazine/135964689362) too, but that crashed on me.

This was the most gorgeous that I've ever seen.http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/142/l_dda062e440a545ab856c4d0ad3f39e7a.jpg

Close up of the Da Dao hilt
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/69/l_0bbb7780eaca4f7b8b9057062876e15b.jpg

Some duan jian & duan shuang jian
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/80/l_4cfd1e6d1bd943fd9537c4ca0d7cd418.jpg

A unique example of a Chinese-made Western style saber. This dealer had excellent paperwork on this.
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/123/l_0a919bc9a8744ac1bf838e1790f9c827.jpg


Asking price: $48,500
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/133/l_2ae2f79858cf4d9d84273c7736bfa948.jpg

[David Jamieson]

:eek:
wow, that top baby is sweet!

[Lucas]

wow is right.....*Drooooool*

[GeneChing]

That dealer specialized in Korean and Japanese swords. The top four photos were all his stuff. Of the five jian in photo 3, he postulated that the even ones (#2 & #4) were actually Korean made. On close inspection, I tend to concur. They had all the trappings of Chinese jian like the seven stars in the blade, but there were some telltale signs like how the guards were fashioned that made them look more like Korean knock-offs. The saber (pic #4) was spectacular too. Unfortunately my crappy photography under the hotel convention room florescent lights just doesn't do any of these pieces justice.

As for that dadao, it was really thick, especially at the forte (over a 1/4 inch I'd say), so thick the dealer thought it was a headsman's sword. I begged to differ however because the balance was superb. The guard ends had detailed carvings. The blade had spectacular etched characters and double fullers. The scabbard was in fine condition. It was a fantastic piece all around. I've seen a few antique dadao, but most are fairly crude. This one was like an officer's sword - presentation quality, yet still very functional. His asking price was $2K.

[Lucas]

that chinese style western sabre is sick...any other photos of that baby lying around?

[GeneChing]

Sorry Lucas. I was in a rush because my time there was very limited and I wanted to talk to as many of the vendors as I could. In retrospect, I should have just stayed with that vendor and shot all his stuff. He had the best collection of Chinese pieces that was there that day.

[Lucas]

awww bummer. well thanks again for sharing what you can. sounds, and looks, like it was a real treat.