17th C. Sino-Vietnamese Yan Yue Dao Polearm

Status: Sold · Region: China, East Asia, Tibet · Type: Armor

A lovely and early example of a Sino-Vietnamese pole arm. 

In Chinese this is know as a Yan Yue Dao (偃月刀 or 掩月刀, lit. 'Reclining moon glaive' or 'Covering moon glaive'): One of the most iconic Chinese weapon, Yan Yue Dao is characterised by a sharpened protrusion on the back of its blade.

Most, but not all, Yan Yue Dao also come with scalloped backedge and tri-bladed butt spike. It is also known as Chun Qiu Da Dao (春秋大刀, lit. 'Spring and Autumn great glaive') and Guan Dao (關刀).

In Vietnamese these polearms are known as yem nguyệt đao and modeled after earlier Ming period polerms. This lovely example was cut down and functions as a sabre of massive proportions. The blade is finely crafted and displays some lamellar patterning.