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The piandao (片刀) is a type of Chinese sabre (dao) used during the late Ming dynasty and through the Qing dynasty. A deeply curved dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting, it bore a strong resemblance to the Persian shamshir. A fairly uncommon weapon, it was generally used by skirmishers in conjunction with a shield.
Two antique Qing swords: The top sabre scabbard shows curvature suggesting a piandao. A Jian below
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