Asymmetry in jian/gim
Dec 31, 2010 5:52:19 GMT
Post by Gundoggy on Dec 31, 2010 5:52:19 GMT
One thing I have noticed in antiques is that in the jian/gim, there is often asymmetry. It exists in several ways.
1. Deviation of handle from blade while looking at the sword edgewise. Very few jian are perfectly straight as there is usually some angular deviation between handle and blade. This is one of the most common asymmetries. Usually this doesn't affect the actual use as the angular deviation is very small.
2. Deviation of handle from blade while looking at flat of blade. This is more rare but I have seen one example of this. May have been from crooked tang.
3. Actual shape of grip: The grips were hand made and usually the jian only 'feels right' when held a certain way. That is if you flip the sword to use other edge, grip doesn't feel as good. A good hint on which way this is is by seeing on which side of the antique blade you see most chips, nicks. That would be the edge facing down when you hold the sword out straight.
#1 and #3 often play to give the sword a certain 'orientation' that feels right. With more modern replicas, grip is usually a little more symmetrical but even in expensive Huanuo's You will see the #1 angular deviation.
So...if your jian isn't 100% laser beam straight, it's historical!!!
1. Deviation of handle from blade while looking at the sword edgewise. Very few jian are perfectly straight as there is usually some angular deviation between handle and blade. This is one of the most common asymmetries. Usually this doesn't affect the actual use as the angular deviation is very small.
2. Deviation of handle from blade while looking at flat of blade. This is more rare but I have seen one example of this. May have been from crooked tang.
3. Actual shape of grip: The grips were hand made and usually the jian only 'feels right' when held a certain way. That is if you flip the sword to use other edge, grip doesn't feel as good. A good hint on which way this is is by seeing on which side of the antique blade you see most chips, nicks. That would be the edge facing down when you hold the sword out straight.
#1 and #3 often play to give the sword a certain 'orientation' that feels right. With more modern replicas, grip is usually a little more symmetrical but even in expensive Huanuo's You will see the #1 angular deviation.
So...if your jian isn't 100% laser beam straight, it's historical!!!
