This is a great example of a Qing Dynasty shuangshoujian. These paired swords date from the mid-to-late 1800’s.
The 420mm double-edged blades have a raised medial ribs on both side. The blades terminate in a razor-edged triangular points. The blades are in great condition, retaining sharp edges.
The polished buffalo horn grips are in great condition. The grips are rounded on one side and flat on the reverse, enabling the swords to be paired back-to-back and sheathed as one. The brass guards are of the Tāotiè (饕餮) form, depicting a mythical beast. Pommel and ferrule are decorated with stylised kuī-dragon patterns. The blades are firm in the hilts.
The ray skin covered scabbard is mounted with five brass kuíwén style mounts. The elongated central suspension mount depicts a rain dragon, or chīlóng (螭龍). The top suspension mount bears a cartouche with the words Lóngquán (龍泉) in seal script, referring to the famous sword-making town in Zhejiang province. The ray skin has been polished smooth and highlighted with black lacquer. The “emperor nodes” of the ray skin are displayed between the suspension mounts, to proclaim the quality of the shagreen.
The scabbard is in great condition and the swords sheath and draw smoothly and are held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a mid-to-late 19th Century, high status shuangshoujian. The famed Chinese paired swords.