Chinese Jian (Lightweapon?)

[Ujimoto]

Greets.

I'm in the process of incorporating light fighting into my persona's skill set. I'd rather develop a Japanese style than simply pick up a rapier and start fencing.

My question.....

Would it be unheard of for an early Heian persona to carry and use a Jian such as this one? (Not exactly this sword, but a period Jian in general)


With the proper guard, I can easily see a schalger passing for a Jian.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Arigato
Ujimoto

[Please Delete]

Theoretically you could, but if you want it to look 'right' I'd go for a late Nara/early Heian (e.g. not necessarily the big 'pigeon-breasted' style that was popular in clothing later, but the more Chinese style you see early on--if you want I can point it out over at the Kyoto Costume Museum).

There's a nice looking Tang Da Dao at Huanuo Sword. You can do a search in English, if you'd like. The fittings are very much what I would expect to have seen on early tachi and tsurugi.

For those who don't know:
Jian = KEN = Tsurugi = Υ
Dao = TOU = Katana = “

In Chinese it usually seems the defining characteristic between the two is the Jian is double-edged and the Dao is single-edged.

As to whether or not you could get one to work under the fencing rules of the SCA (or attach a schlager blade and work that way) I really don't know enough about sizes, lengths and styles to really say.

-Ii

[Ujimoto]

Many Thanks.

Having looked at the late Nara clothing on the Costume Museum site, it seems the less... billowy style of that period might make better fencing garb. Although I did think it would look spectacular fencing in full heian court garb made of trigger cloth.

Thanks
Ujimoto