The Legendary Sword of Yue King Goujian: A Masterpiece of Ancient Bronze
Hailed as the pinnacle of ancient bronze craftsmanship and arguably the finest sword ever forged, the Sword of Yue King Goujian is a breathtaking testament to ancient artistry and metallurgical prowess.
Historical Context: Echoes from the Spring and Autumn Period
This remarkable bronze sword hails from the ancient state of Yue, dating back to the late Spring and Autumn period (771-476 BCE), approximately 2700 years ago. Its incredible discovery occurred in December 1965, unearthed from within the tomb of its esteemed owner. The excavation, prompted by drought-induced archaeological efforts to dig a canal in Jiangling, Hubei province, brought this millennia-old treasure to light. The identity of the tomb's occupant was confirmed as Yue King Goujian, alongside this incredibly sharp, more than 2500-year-old weapon.
Dimensions and Design: Precision and Power
The sword measures a graceful 55.7 cm in length, with a hilt spanning 8.4 cm. Its width is 4.6 cm, and remarkably, it weighs a mere 875 grams. The blade itself is slender, and upon its excavation, it retained an astonishing sharpness. Its gently curved, downward-arching profile showcases the zenith of short weapon manufacturing techniques of that era.
Material Composition: The Secrets of Bronze
Through proton-induced X-ray fluorescence analysis, it has been determined that the Sword of Yue King is primarily composed of tin bronze. Trace amounts of aluminum and nickel were also detected, contributing to its exceptional properties.
This significant artifact, considered one of the national treasures of ancient China, is currently on display at the Hubei Provincial Museum in China.
