Basic Introduction to the Longquan Sword
The Longquan Sword is one of the top ten famous swords in ancient China, symbolizing integrity and purity. Legend has it that this sword was jointly crafted by two master swordsmiths, Ouyezi and Ganjiang. To forge this sword, they excavated Mount Cishan and diverted the mountain stream to form seven pools around the casting furnace in the pattern of the Big Dipper, hence the name “Seven Stars.” Upon completion, when looking down at the blade, one could see a vast and profound depth as if a giant dragon were coiled within, thus earning the name “Dragon Abyss.” Therefore, this sword came to be known as the “Seven-Star Dragon Abyss,” commonly abbreviated as the Dragon Abyss Sword. During the Tang Dynasty, to avoid any naming taboo related to Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan, the character “Abyss” (渊) was changed to “Spring” (泉), becoming the “Seven-Star Dragon Spring,” commonly abbreviated as the Longquan Sword.
Product Features
First, its remarkable toughness and sharpness; it can “slice through copper like mud.”
In 1978, at two national gatherings of Chinese artisans, a maker of the Longquan Sword demonstrated this quality by effortlessly splitting six stacked copper plates with a single stroke, without damaging the blade's edge.
Second, it combines strength and flexibility.
Ancient Longquan Swords were made from raw iron, while modern ones are cast from medium carbon steel. The precise heat treatment process gives the medium carbon steel the properties of spring steel. For example, a thin sword can be curled into a circle and worn around the waist like a belt. Once released, the sword returns to its original straight shape.
Third, it emits a cold, dazzling light.
There is a type of stone called “Bright Stone” found in Longquan that, when used for sharpening, produces a sword with a cold, shimmering glow. The polishing of Longquan Swords is done entirely by hand, involving coarse, fine, and final polishing, which may take days or even months. Once completed, the blade shines with a brilliant blue light.
Fourth, it features intricate decorations.
The blade bears the mark of seven stars and a flying dragon design. Engraving designs onto the blade is a unique skill of Longquan Sword makers. Without using colored pencils or patterns, they carve directly onto the narrow blade using a steel chisel. After pouring molten bronze into the grooves and smoothing and polishing, the flying dragon pattern appears vividly and naturally, never fading over time.
In ancient times, most Longquan Swords did not have scabbards. Today, sheaths and handles are made from local rosewood, known for its firm texture and beautiful grain, giving the swords an antique charm. Decorated with silver and copper, the Longquan Swords become even more exquisite.
Historical Folklore
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the renowned swordsmith Ouyezi forged the Dragon Abyss, Tai'a, and Gongbu swords at the ancient site of Sword Pool Lake in today's Longyuan Town, thus establishing the fame of Longquan Swords worldwide. In ancient times, swords served as weapons. Since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, treasured swords gradually transformed into accessories worn by officials and defensive weapons, symbolizing power. In modern times, swords have become martial arts equipment, ritual tools for Taoism, stage props, and ornamental crafts. Over the centuries, numerous legends and praises have been associated with Longquan Swords.