Like ancient Japanese samurai swords like the katana, ancient Chinese swords like the Sanmei are works of art. Unlike its Japanese counterparts, which are created exclusively for sword fighting, the Sanmei is supposed to be used in conjunction with martial arts training. Wushu is the perfect example of this. Swordsmanship is performed in conjunction with the basic martial arts movements of kicking, striking, and blocking.
Let’s go into a little more detail about these ancient Chinese weapons.
The Sanmei is made up of a hardened core layer with two softer steel layers on the outside. The softer steel provides the strength of the sword, while the harder core carries the wicked edge. Taking a closer look at the blade, you see the unique lines and crease marks left by the forging.
The Chinese sword is divided into two categories, Jian and Dao. The Jian is a one-handed double-edged straight sword. The hilts of the Jian swords were made of fluted hardwood. Sometimes they were wrapped in striped fur or cotton cord.
The Dao is a curved single-edged sword longer and heavier than the Jian. It is often referred to as a Chinese sword or saber. Dao blades are moderately curved and have a slanted hilt, curving in the opposite direction from the blade. There is also a disc-shaped or S-shaped protector.
The Chinese Sanmei was transformed over 2,500 years, beginning with bronze and then moving on to iron and then steel. At first, during the Han Dynasty, the weapon of choice for mounted cavalry was the Dao. Later, the lightest Jian became the most widely used infantry and cavalry sword due to its lightness.
Like the history of Chinese swords, ancient Chinese armor also underwent a metamorphosis. Armor of the early Shang dynasty consisted of light plate tortoise shells tied with rope. These were later replaced by one-piece leather or bronze breastplates. In the 2nd century BC, silver wrought iron armor began to appear. These were intertwined with leather and sometimes had overlapping leather plates as well.
During the Ming Dynasty period, light plate armor woven from leather and cloth fabrics became the norm, as this did not hinder martial arts movements. It only covered the most important parts of the body vulnerable to injury. Trade with Arab and Persian neighbors introduced the Chinese to the European chainmail, which was widely copied by many wealthy nobles, civil servants, and military officers.