Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 13, 2026

Piandao

The piandao (片刀) is a type of Chinese sabre (dao) used during the late Ming dynasty and through the Qing dynasty. A 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.

Last revised
Jun 13, 2026
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Wikipedia ↗

The piandao (片刀) is a type of Chinese sabre (dao) used during the late Ming dynasty and through the Qing dynasty. A curved1 dao meant for slashing and draw-cutting, it bore a strong resemblance to the Persian shamshir.2 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 source ↗
See also

See also

References

References

  1. Jowett, Philip (21 April 2016). Imperial Chinese Armies 1840–1911. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 1892. ISBN 978-1-4728-1429-6. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  2. Gold, Simon (5 June 2024). "Mastery of the Blade: The Dao Sword". Discovery UK. Retrieved 17 November 2025.