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4. Sword bag Liao dynasty (907-1125) |
The bag, now in a fragmentary state, is 46 centimetres in length and 9.5 centimetres in width. On the opening side, the textile forms a groove which a silk cord inside could be strung in order to close and open the bag. fabric of the bag consists of three layers, the outermost being a dark purple complex gauze embroidered with two gold cranes. Underneath this is a black plain complex gauze and a purple tabby as the lining. The two cranes, each accompanied by a cloud rising from their heads, were clearly embroidered in a couched stitch. They vary slightly in size, one being 15.5 centimetres and the other 13.5 centimetres. This bag is identifiable as a sword bag by its shape. Traditionally a symbol of high status, in the Tang dynasty (618-907) emperors wore a jade sword, decorated with pearls, and kings wore swords decorated with gold and jewels. Officials lower than the sixth level were not allowed to wear swords. A similar set of regulations for the ceremonial wearing of swords applied at the Song court and at the court of the Jin (1115-1234), restrictions on sword wearing were extremely strict, their possession being limited to officials of the first level and only at certain ceremonies. When the first Jin emperor, Wanyan Aguda (r. 1115-1123), visited the Liao court, he is recorded as having brought a small knife, representing a sword, for ceremonial occasions. In the Jin dynasty tomb of the King of Qi at Acheng (Helongjiang) a jade sword was discovered 32.7 centimetres in length and covered by a silk tabby bag. Another sword and bag 39.8 centimetres in length were also found in this tomb. The present fragmentary bag at 46 centimetres in length is somewhat longer than those of the ceremonial swords found in the Jin tomb, but its most likely use would still seem to be that of a sword bag. |