The Legendary Sword of King Goujian of Yue: A Timeless Masterpiece
This sword, attributed to King Goujian of Yue, stands as a pinnacle of ancient bronze artistry and is often hailed as the finest sword ever crafted, from antiquity to the present day.
Historical Context
The sword of King Goujian of Yue is a bronze artifact originating from the State of Yue during the late Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BCE), dating back approximately 2700 years. It was unearthed in December 1965, found within the coffin of its owner. This remarkable discovery was intrinsically linked to archaeological excavations for canal digging during a drought in the Jiangling region of Hubei province at the time. The identity of the tomb's occupant was confirmed as King Goujian of Yue, along with this exceptionally sharp sword, over 2500 years old.
Dimensions and Weight
The sword measures 55.7 cm in length, with a handle of 8.4 cm and a width of 4.6 cm, weighing a mere 875 grams. Its slender blade, still remarkably sharp upon excavation, features a curved profile, reflecting the peak of short weapon craftsmanship of that era.
Chemical Composition
Through proton-induced X-ray emission analysis, the sword of King Goujian is found to be primarily composed of tin bronze, with trace amounts of aluminum and nickel.
This significant ancient Chinese national treasure is currently on display at the Hubei Provincial Museum in China.
