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The Han Jian sword is a double-edged straight sword stemming from the Han dynasty. These differ from the second common Chinese style sword call the Dao sword which are curved blade swords from the Song dynasty forward. The jian sword is similar to the European longsword while the dao can be compared to a saber or a knife. Originally, jian swords were made of bronze and first appeared during the mid-third century BC. During the late Warring State period, the material of the sword was switched to wrought iron and steel and adopted its modern look. The jian sword was primarily used by a class of swordsmen who made their living through fencing. Sword fencing was also a popular pastime for aristocrats. A 37-chapter manual known as the Way of the Jian is known to have existed but has since been lost. Outside of China, Chinese swords were also used in Japan from the third to sixth century AD but were replaced with Korean and native Japanese swords by the middle Heian era. Other than specialized weapons like the Divided Dao, Chinese swords are typically between 27 and 43 inches in length. This sword is 30in in length. This sword is designed with dragon imagery on the guard and etched on the blade.
