Zhang Ma Dao, Great Two-handed Sword From South China

A very rare Zhan Ma Dao, a "horse-cutting sword" from southern China. What distinguishes it from other Dao swords is the exceptional thickness of its blade and its oversized length. This weapon was traditionally used against cavalry. It can be dated to the 18th century. Its effectiveness was formidable against cavalry, but also against armored warriors, and its psychological impact on the opponent was also considerable. The drawback, of course, was the need for significant physical strength from the user and specific training.
In terms of its use, this weapon can be readily compared to 16th-century German two-handed swords. Although some authors classify this weapon as a "Dadao," which simply means "great sword," the blade's particular thickness confirms its described use. Even though the traditional form of this weapon differs in Northern China, in Southern China it is indeed a Zhan Ma Dao.
BLADE: It is a very strong, single-edged blade that widens towards the tip. At the tip, a small hole allowed a piece of cloth, like a small scarf, to be attached during training to visualize the trajectory of the tip.
Each face is decorated with engravings, which, in addition to plant motifs, depict stylized marine animals resembling shrimp swimming among seaweed. On the outer face, about twelve centimeters from the handle, is a representation of the head of a water spirit. The blade is very sharp except for the first third near the handle, where it is thick to allow for parrying an opponent's blade.
Blade length = 71.5 cm, width at the ricasso = 3.4 cm, at its widest point 10 cm, thickness near the handle = 10.6 mm.
GUARD : It is quatrefoil-shaped, made of iron with chiseling depicting a shrimp and a mist dragon on the blade side, and mist clouds on the hilt side.
HILT : It is covered with a cord coated in red lacquer, in perfect condition. The handle ends in a strong ring that was used to attach a scarf wrapped around the left hand to secure the grip during combat.
This weapon is much rarer than small, thin-bladed dao, and very few examples have reached the West.
Ref A-01XX.
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