| The reason the 23 inch Archaic Chinese bronze | | | | far as painting symbols on the sheath as well. This |
| sword is so great is that it is a one of a kind | | | | was because the ancient Chinese believed that |
| replica of the original sword. Although the handle | | | | symbols and names of gods and other words |
| and the plaque are made from wood the blade | | | | would help a shoulder win victories during battle. |
| itself is made from full cast bronze. It will be a | | | | However, the art of bronze sword making came |
| great addition to any sword collectors displays. | | | | to an end around the Zhou Dynasty around 1045 |
| The history of Chinese swords begins during the | | | | B.C. Chinese sword crafting was considered to be |
| pre-history of Earth's prehistoric time, when | | | | a very sacred art. So the craftsmen grouped all |
| swords were carved from stones. It wasn't until | | | | of their weapons into two distinctive groups; the |
| the Bronze Age in China, which began during the | | | | first group included swords which were only |
| Xia Dynasty, from 2205 to 1766 B.C., that people | | | | sharpened on one side and thick on the other, and |
| began forming swords from bronze. | | | | were called Dao, the second group was |
| By melting down the bronze metal and pouring | | | | sharpened on both sides, these types were called |
| the hot metal in a sand or clay mold. This helped | | | | Jian. |
| to shape the sword. After the sword had cooled, | | | | From 500 B.C. bronze Jian swords began going |
| the swordsmith would then reheat the sword on | | | | through some major changes as smiths began |
| a forge and pound the metal more into shape. | | | | using different types of metal which was added |
| This process took several times to form the | | | | to the bronze to make the metal much stronger |
| sword into the shape that the smith desired. | | | | than it was in its original form. This helped the |
| Once it was formed and had plenty of time to | | | | sword have a much sharper edge and also helped |
| cool off, the smith then used would to create a | | | | the spine to absorb more of the shock when |
| handle for the sword. The swordsmith would then | | | | striking an object. |
| use a rough stone to sharpen the sword into a | | | | It was also during this time that 23 inch swords |
| very sharp edge. Once this was completed the | | | | became very popular with the warring states until |
| smith then used other tools to itch symbols, | | | | the Song Dynasty began. So you see why the 23 |
| words, and pictures on the top edges of the | | | | inch Archaic Chinese bronze sword is so great |
| sword. | | | | that all devoted sword collectors should have at |
| Then it was time for the smith to make a sheath | | | | least one in their entourage. |
| for the swords which he created. He would go as | | | | |