A RARE IMPERIAL SWORD WITH A JADE HILT AND LACQUER SCABBARD QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the sword with a steel blade cast with gilt dots arranged on both sides, fixed to an elaborate celadon jade hilt carved in Mughal-style with acanthus leaves on the guard, grip and pommel, further pierced all the way through below the tips of the leaves creating an airy effect; the scabbard lacquered in black over a wood core and painted in a rich orangey gold with lotus flowers and leaves on an continuous scrolling meander, set with gilt-bronze fittings along the sheath cast with flowers and scrolls on a circle-punched ground, one loop attached with a silk cord tassel

Apart from some minor chips to the lacquer and minute nicks along the edges of the jade, the overall condition is very good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Impressive and rare for the combination of two ornately decorated high-value materials, lacquer and jade, the present sword is a fine example of the Hindustan-inspired jades of organic form admired by the Qianlong emperor, who was also a keen collector of swords. Although firearms were available during the Qing period, the Manchus favoured the use of leng bingqi ('cold weapons'), such as swords, sabres, spears, bows and arrows, which were effective for fighting at close quarters.

Compare slightly later daggers with similarly shaped jade handles, but inlaid with coloured stones, such as one sold in our London rooms, 28^th October 1988, lot 304; another sold these rooms, 22^nd May 1984, lot 232; and a third example sold at Christie's New York, 9^th May 1981, lot 276. For a Japanese-style sabre-like knife with a red lacquer scabbard, in the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, see one published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Armaments and Military Provisions, Hong Kong, 2008, pl. 162.