Liuyedao
Liuyedao | |||||||||||||
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A 17th–18th century liuyedao with gilt iron fittings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art[1] | |||||||||||||
Traditional Chinese | 柳葉刀 | ||||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 柳叶刀 | ||||||||||||
Literal meaning | willow leaf knife | ||||||||||||
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The liuyedao or willow-leaf saber is a type of dao that was commonly used as a military sidearm for both cavalry and infantry during the Ming and Qing dynasties. A descendant of the earlier Mongol saber the liuyedao remained the most popular type of single handed sabre during the Ming dynasty, replacing the role of the Jian in the military.[2] Many schools of Chinese martial arts originally trained with this weapon.[2]
This weapon features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This reduces thrusting ability (though it is still fairly effective at same) while increasing the power of cuts and slashes. The hilts are typically straight, but can be re-curved downward starting in the 18th century.[3] It weighs from 2 to 3 lb (0.91 to 1.36 kg), and is 36 to 39 in (91 to 99 cm) long.
Many examples will often have a decorated collar at the throat of the blade called a tunkou, which are stylistic holdovers from the preceding designs.[2]
References
Notes
Sources
- Tom, Philip M. W. (2001). "Some Notable Sabers of the Qing Dynasty at the Metropolitan Museum of Art". Metropolitan Museum Journal. 36: 11, 207–222. doi:10.2307/1513063. JSTOR 1513063. S2CID 191359442.
- Tom, Philip with Scott M. Rodell (February 2005). "An Introduction to Chinese Single-Edged Hilt Weapons (Dao) and Their Use in the Ming and Qing Dynasties". Kung Fu Tai Chi, pp. 76–85
- Dekker, Peter. Liǔyèdāo (柳葉刀) glossary article. First published 2019. https://www.mandarinmansion.com/glossary/liuyedao
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Short swords |
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Long swords |
- Liuxing Chui (meteor hammer) 流星錘
- Sheng biao (rope dart) 繩鏢
- Jiujie bian (nine section whip) 九節鞭
- Sanjie gun 三節棍
- Chang xiao bang 長小棒
- Nu 弩
- Zhuge nu 諸葛弩
- Fire arrow 火箭
- Huoqiang 火槍
- Tu Huo Qiang 突火槍
- Huochong 火銃
- Shouchong 手銃
- Rocket cart 火箭車
- San yan chong 三眼銃
- Che Dian Chong 掣電銃
- Xun Lei Chong 迅雷銃
- Wankou Chong 碗口銃
- Hu dun pao 虎蹲砲
- Thunder crash bomb 震天雷
- Biān 鞭
- Chǐ 尺
- Chúi 錘
- Emeici 峨嵋刺
- Jiǎn 鐧
- Lujiao dao (deer horn knives) 鹿角刀
- Hook sword 鉤
- Ji lian 鷄鐮
- Fenghuo lun 風火輪
- Armour and Helmet 甲胄
- Shield 盾
- Hook shield 鉤鑲
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