Description: The Sword of Goujian is a culturally significant Chinese artifact dating back to the "Spring and Autumn Period" (771 to 403BC) of Chinese history. In 1965 an archaeological dig was commenced along the second main aquaduct of the Zhang River reservoir in Jingzhou, Hubei, China, and fifty plus ancient tombs from the Chu State era were found in Jiangling County. More than 2000 artifacts were recovered during this exploration, including the bronze sword of Goujian, where it was found 7 kilometers from the ruins of Jinan the ancient capital of Chu. The original of this sword was found in December of 1965 at the Wangshan site #1 inside a casket along with an intact skeleton which together, had been submerged in subterranean water for 2000 years. When the casket was opened, the sword was found still sheathed in it's wooden, black lacquered scabbard. Amazingly the tight fitting scabbard had an airtight seal and fit to the blade so well that when unsheathed the sword revealed an untarnished blade.This contemporary hand made copy has a 16 5/8" long, double edged blade, with it's overall length measuring in at a full 22".The blade is covered in a lattice work pattern and an applique'd steel cutting edge. The obverse of the blade is inlaid in gold with ancient Chinese characters suppossedly attributing it to "Guo Jian, King of Yue". The cast bronze cross guard is inlaid with turquoise and cobalt blue cabochon glass accents. The grip is cylinder shaped bronze, with a pommel adorned in concentric rings.Included with this sword is a copy of the ancient Oriental work entitled "The Art of War: Sun Zi's Military Methods". Depicted upon the cover of this book is a photograph of the original "Sword of Goujian". This sword exhibits the design and quality construction of the original sword found in the Palace Museum.Regular, original swords, from this time period are extremely rare and cost around $20,000.00 when found.

History: The Sword of Goujian is a culturally significant Chinese artifact dating back to the "Spring and Autumn Period" (771 to 403BC) of Chinese history. In 1965 an archaeological dig was commenced along the second main aqueduct of the Zhang River reservoir in Jingzhou, Hubei, China, and fifty plus ancient tombs from the Chu State era were found in Jiangling County. More than 2000 artifacts were recovered during this exploration, including the bronze sword of Goujian, where it was found 7 kilometers from the ruins of Jinan the ancient capital of Chu at the Wangshan site #1 inside a casket along with an intact skeleton which together, had been submerged in subterrainian water for 2000 years. When the casket was opened, the sword was found still sheathead in it's wooden, black lacquered scabbard. Amazingly the tight fitting scabbard had an airtight seal and fit to the blade so well that when unsheathed the sword revealed an untarnished blade.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 5 | Height(in) = 26" | Width(in) = 2.75" | Depth(in) = 2.75"

Size of Artwork(in): 22 x 2.25 x 1.50"

Artist Name: Chinese

Medium: Bronze/Tin/Gem Stones

Circa: 20th century

Excellent with light age wear and age patina. Minor pitting present on cross guard.