151 - A rare ceremonial straight sword known as a Jian (劍).

A rare ceremonial straight sword known as a Jian (劍). The finely carved nephrite jade hilt is encircled by two raised bands imitating a twisted cord in relief; the scalloped pommel is topped by a knob surrounded by stylized petals. The guard is adorned with scrollwork in the shape of a ruyi. The double-edged steel blade, likely 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 stylized foliage and flowers, accented with gilded copper alloy trim, stamped and chiseled with Shou symbols and Greek fret patterns. 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 civilian or military mandarin or a close member of the imperial family. The mark engraved on the blade, nearly identical to the referenced 17th- and 18th-century Dutch inscriptions also found on other weapons from China and Southeast Asia, suggests that the blade was most likely imported from Europe, a practice attested by numerous period pieces. It could also be a case of a local craftsman reappropriating this mark. Expert: Bastien LARNAUD