"The precious sword is worth a thousand pieces of gold;
Its brilliance illuminates the beholder."
— Cao Zhi (Ancient China)

The Guardian of the South: Zhu Que (朱雀)

In ancient mythology, the Vermilion Bird (Zhu Que) is the guardian spirit of the South, symbolizing fire, vitality, and nobility. This exquisite Short Tang Dao (33.5 inches) embodies this spirit. Unlike standard swords, it is wrapped in rare Red Genuine Rayskin (Shark Skin), creating a texture and visual impact that is historically reserved for high-ranking officials.

Rare Red Rayskin & Pure Copper (紅魚皮與純銅)
The scabbard is the highlight of this piece. It is painstakingly wrapped in Genuine Rayskin (often called Shark Skin in classics), dyed in a deep, imperial red. The fittings are precision-cast from Pure Copper, adding a warm, golden contrast that will develop a beautiful patina over time.

The Blade: Folded Steel Mastery
Beneath the luxury lies a functional core. The blade is forged from Folded Pattern Steel (Damascus), featuring thousands of layers of wood-grain patterns. It acts as a nimble, single-handed sword, perfectly balanced for close-quarters agility.

Key Features

• Blade Material: Hand-Folded Pattern Steel (Damascus) with Clay Tempered Hamon.
• Scabbard: Wrapped in Genuine Red Rayskin (Samegawa).
• Fittings: Premium Pure Copper (精鑄純銅).
• Size: Compact "Short Tang Dao" (85cm) - Ideal for display in smaller spaces.
• Craftsmanship: 100% Hand-forged and polished.

Specifications

• Overall Length: 33.5 inches (85 cm)
• Blade Length: 21.2 inches (54 cm)
• Handle Length: 8.2 inches (21 cm)
• Blade Width: 1.18 inches (3 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.31 inches (0.8 cm)
• Gross Weight: Approx. 2.5 lbs (1.16 kg)
• Net Weight: Approx. 1.9 lbs (0.88 kg)

*Note: Since each sword is hand-crafted and uses natural rayskin, unique texture variations are a sign of authenticity.