Sword with Scabbard
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Steel, jade, bronze, sharkskin, textile, wood, gold
Dimensions
L. with scabbard 28 3/4 in. (73 cm); L. without scabbard 27 1/2 in. (69.9 cm); W. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); Wt. 14.2 oz. (402.6 g); Wt. of scabbard 8 oz. (226.8 g)
Classification
Swords
Culture
Chinese
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932
Accession Number
32.75.308a, b
Art Historical Context
This exquisite 19th-century Chinese sword withabbard exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship of Qing Dynasty arms, blending functionality with opulent decoration. Crafted from steel for the blade, with a hilt and fittings of jade, bronze, and gold, the weapon features a grip wrapped in sharkskin for superior hold and a scabbard of wood, textile, and lavish materials. Measuring 28¾ inches (73 cm) overall and weighing just over a pound (402.6 g) without its 8-ounce (226.8 g) sheath, it strikes a balance between portability and presence, ideal for a mounted warrior or high-ranking official. In C...