Qing Period images of Bannermen drawing their swords are rare, so I was quite please to uncover this portrait of one unsheathing his Jian.
Comparing what we see here with other Qing Period paintings, we should note several consistent details-
When Drawing a Jian, the left hand typically grasps the scabbard near to, or at, the scabbard throat.Β
The upward draw into a Liao Cut appears to be the favored draw. This upward Liao can be angled to intercept a cut or initiate an advance.
Jian were often slung from a belt by cloth lanyards, however, it appears that in most cases Jianke preferred to carry the sword in the left free from any restraints a lanyard might impose.
While these details of technique and carry are those commonly depicted, we should also keep in mind that these might have also been a matter of artistic convention of the time.
