Dragon King Taotie Jian Longsword

The taotie is one of Chinese mythology's four "evil creatures", a gluttonous being said to consume endlessly, punished by the gods with the removal of its body, leaving only a head and open jaw as a warning against excess. The motif dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, originally cast into bronze ritual vessels, and still appears today in Chinese decorative arts.

Dragon King's take on the Taotie Jian embosses this zoomorphic motif into both the pommel and guard. The 37 3/4" blade carries a 7" ricasso, 3/8" thick at its base, built for strength through powerful thrusts and blocks. The 12 1/2" wood-core handle is thin cord-wrapped for a manageable grip despite the sword's 51 1/2" overall length. A black lacquered wood-core scabbard with matching accents completes the piece.

Features:

• Forged high carbon steel blade, 3/8" thick at base
• Detailed lost-wax cast fittings
• Black lacquered wood-core scabbard
• Overall Length: 51 1/2"
• Blade Length: 37 3/4"
• Handle Length: 12 1/2"
• Weight: 2 lb 6 oz
• Point of Balance: 6"
• Blade Steel: 5160

Specifications may vary slightly piece to piece.