Forge Direct Haiyantang Zodiac Custom Sword
PERMANENTLY DISCONTINUED
No Longer Available
The Haiyantang Zodiac sword is not only just a stunning Jian in its own right. But it is also semi-customizable, with your choice of pommel fashioned as a replica of one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac that originally adorned the Garden of Eternal Spring in Beijing's Yuanmingyuan Garden.
The original designs of these heads were believed to have been created by the Jesuit Priest Giuseppe Castiglione as a gift to the Qianlong Emperor (25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799) and the 12 statue heads, cast in bronze, would spout water to tell the time. Stolen by British and French forces during the second Opium War (1860) only 5 have since been recovered and returned to China, with the Dragon, Snake, Goat, Rooster and Dog still missing and the rabbit and the rat controversially in a private collection.
Choose which one you like or which one corresponds to your Chinese Zodiac year or a year of special significance.
Below is a rough and ready guide:
Year of the Rat: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Year of the Ox: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Year of the Tiger: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Year of the Rabbit: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Year of the Dragon: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Year of the Snake: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Year of the Horse: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Year of the Sheep: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Year of the Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Year of the Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Year of the Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Year of the Boar: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
The blade is 1095 carbon steel, forged by a second rank master smith Jiang Xiaolong and folded with a distinctive Damascus pattern. Fittings are made from high quality, darkened brass with handle and scabbard made from hand carved ebony. Do not be fooled by cheap and nasty imitations, this sword is the real deal. Almost never seen out of China due to the uncertain market demand and high expense of production. However, with Forge Direct, you have a rare opportunity to order one of your own with FREE worldwide shipping right here at the SBG Sword Store!
How to Use
Materials and Construction
Warranty Info
Return Policy
Featured positive reviews:
my mini "rating" as following:
!) Presentation-- 4.50 / 5,
The box is generally well presented.
2) Craftsmanship-- 4.75 / 5,
The sword is put together nicely. The sword scabbard is artfully shaped.
3) Appearance of blade-- 4.75 / 5,
Nicely tapered and patterned.
4) Swing and practice-- 4.75 / 5,
Feel very balanced in the hand (centre of sword is 8.5cm from the junction of handle and guard). Swings through air with a nice blade whistle.
5) Fitting and furniture-- 4.40 / 5,
The brass furniture are solid. The only let down is the fabric cord which can be easily frayed. I worried that it could show wear quickly if the sword is used for practice regularly.
