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| Liuyedao | |||||||||||||
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 A 17th–18th centuryliuyedao with gilt iron fittings at theMetropolitan Museum of Art[1] | |||||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 柳葉刀 | ||||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 柳叶刀 | ||||||||||||
| Literal meaning | willow leaf knife | ||||||||||||
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Theliuyedao or "willow-leaf saber" is a type ofdao that was commonly used as a military sidearm for bothcavalry andinfantry during theMing andQing dynasties. A descendant of the earlierMongol sabre the liuyedao remained the most popular type of single handedsabre during the Ming dynasty, replacing the role of thejian as a issued weapon in the military.[2] Many schools ofChinese martial arts originally trained with this weapon.[2]
This weapon features a moderate curve along the length of the blade. This reduces thrusting ability (though it is still fairly effective at same) while increasing the power of cuts and slashes. The hilts are typically straight, but can be re-curved downward starting in the 18th century.[3] It weighs from 2 to 3 lb (0.91 to 1.36 kg), and is 36 to 39 in (91 to 99 cm) long.
Many examples will often have a decorated collar at the throat of the blade called atunkou, which are stylistic holdovers from the preceding designs.[2]
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