The sword, as one of the most iconic ancient weapons, is often called the “King of Weapons.” As early as the Shang Dynasty, people had already begun forging bronze swords, but during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, sword-making peaked. Rulers of various states sought out the finest craftsmen to create the sharpest and most durable swords. Among these legendary weapons, none is as famous as the Sword of King Goujian.
A Sword That Defied Time
The Sword of King Goujian was unearthed in 1965 from Tomb No. 1 in Wangshan, Jiangling, Hubei Province. Despite being buried underground for over 2,400 years, the sword emerged from its scabbard gleaming and untarnished, with a razor-sharp edge capable of slicing through twenty layers of paper. Experts believe its remarkable preservation is due to three key factors:
-Superior Materials: The alloy composition of the sword is exceptionally well-balanced, with minimal lead content and a higher proportion of tin, making it both strong and resistant to corrosion.
-Optimal Burial Conditions: The sword was sealed in a relatively airtight environment, protecting it from oxidation and decay.
-Protective Scabbard: The lacquered wooden scabbard provided an extra layer of defense, ensuring the sword remained in pristine condition.
A Masterpiece of Swordsmithing
The Sword of King Goujian measures 55.6 cm in total length, with a blade length of 47.3 cm and a guard width of 5 cm. The hilt extends 8.4 cm and features an outward-curving circular pommel with 11 meticulously engraved concentric rings—an astonishing feat of craftsmanship. The guard is decorated with blue-glazed glass on the front and turquoise inlays on the back, adding to its exquisite appearance. The blade itself is adorned with black rhombic geometric patterns, enhancing its beauty and providing a secure grip.
One of the most remarkable features of the sword is the inscription near the guard. Written in ancient bird-worm script, the eight-character text reads: “King of Yue, Goujian, made this sword for his personal use.” This confirms that the sword belonged to King Goujian, the ruler of Yue during the late Spring and Autumn period.
The Rise of King Goujian
King Goujian of Yue was a legendary figure who suffered defeat at the hands of Wu but later rose to power through perseverance and strategy. After years of hardship and preparation, he launched a successful campaign against the State of Wu, ultimately defeating his rival in 473 BCE and becoming the last hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period.
Why was his sword found in a Chu tomb? Scholars have proposed two theories: one suggests it was part of a dowry when Goujian’s daughter married the King of Chu, while the other believes it was taken as spoils of war. Historical records indicate that Goujian allied with Chu, and he may have gifted the sword to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The Golden Age of Bronze Swords
The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods were marked by constant warfare, leading to rapid advancements in weaponry. The region of Wu and Yue became renowned for its superior sword-making techniques, producing legendary blades such as Chun Jun, Zhan Lu, Sheng Xie, and Yu Chang, as recorded in The Records of the Grand Historian.
Sword connoisseur Xue Zhu once described Goujian’s famous “Chun Jun” sword: “When shaken, it shimmers like a lotus emerging from water; its blade shines like the stars in the night sky; its luster flows like water overflowing from a pond; its sharpness is like stone breaking apart.” Such descriptions highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship of the time, with the Sword of King Goujian standing as the pinnacle of this artistry.
A National Treasure of Historical Significance
Today, the Sword of King Goujian is the crown jewel of the Hubei Provincial Museum, displayed in its exhibition hall. It serves as a vital artifact for studying the history of Wu and Yue, ancient metallurgy, and the military strategies of the era.
Even after thousands of years, this legendary sword remains as brilliant as ever, a testament to the extraordinary skill of ancient Chinese swordsmiths and the enduring legacy of King Goujian.
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