Tiger's Den Chinese swords

Tiger’s Den Chinese swords

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Welcome to Tiger’s Den Chinese swords, home of the ultimate in wooden swords for Chinese Martial Artists and Collectors.

Tiger’s Den produces top quality wooden Chinese swords and sword accessories. Designed and made to the highest standards and based on thorough historical research.

January 2011

2010 saw a lot of research and development in the tigersden but no new products emerged. This year will see the fruits of that research.

To start off 2011, I am launching a new, and lighter Training jian.

See the News page for progress on new products and the plans for 2011

Tournament quality Sparring jian (TCSL approved)

Chinese swords, in their myriad forms, have been an integral part of Chinese life and culture for many, many centuries. Over the past 2½ millennia, they have reflected the changes in warfare, in technology, and even in fashion.

Emperors have collected swords that befitted their status and wealth (and these have been fabulous statements of high art and power).……..The military have used them to deadly effect, and developed regulations governing their manufacture and use……..and Civilians have used them, not only as utilitarian items for self defence but also as expressions of art and popular culture.

The Chinese sword has long been depicted in painting, sculpture, literature and mythology, and has come by many, to be seen as a symbol of salvation. Zhong Kui, for instance is a popular guardian figure from a Tang dynasty story. He is usually shown wielding a sword, with which he quells demons and evil spirits.

In modern times, the Chinese sword has become synonymous with health and exercise. Particularly through the popularisation of taiji.

An unusual jian— execution grounds, Canton

The last century, however, saw a great period of change in China. Ironically, many of the swords that were used to unify and protect the Chinese Empire were reclaimed as scrap-metal and lost forever. Now, though, there is renewed interest in Chinese swords and their martial arts………..and not just in China, but worldwide.

Legend has it, that Zhong Kui was a scholar who passed all the Imperial Examinations with flying colours, but despite having gained top marks, the Emperor rejected him because of his ugly appearance.

Zhong Kui was so humiliated and distressed, that he committed suicide by smashing his head on the palace steps.

In death, he was restless and turned his talents to quelling demons and ridding the world of evil but it wasn’t until the reign of the Emperor Xuanzong, that he entered into popular folk-law.

Zhong Kui— subjugating a demon

The Emperor became gravely ill, and in a dream, saw a small ghost trying to make off with imperial possessions. In stepped the ghost of Zhong Kui, who subjugated the evil spirit and saved the imperial possessions. When the Emperor awoke, he was well again, and from that moment on, Zhong Kui enjoyed Imperial approval and passed into popular culture as a protector from demons and evil spirits.

Click here for items currently in stock.

last updated 03 February 2011