Antique Dao Sword from Qing China

A fine antique Chinese sword Dao. Lovely old high quality example, the scabbard covered with green polished rayskin ‘shagreen’ in excellent condition. The gilt-brass mounts deeply chiselled and pierced with decoration deaturing dragons and swirling clouds, in uncleaned beautifully patinated state. The hilt with oval handguard deeply chiselled, lower grip mount and large rounded pommel similarly beautifully hand chiselled and pierced. The grip thickly bound with bound blue cord, with a hole showing near the top to take a hand strap. The two hanging bands to the scabbard with the bronze bar to fit the carrying strap. The blade of very good quality steel, gently curved damascus steel with a strong pattern showing along the blade, and lameller bands showing a hardened blade edge, thick spine and light fullering to the back edge. As with Chinese swords of this type the point is slightly thickened for thrusting strength. Very nice piece in superb condition. 32 inches long overall, the blade 24 inches approximately. Dating to the Qing Dynasty 17th-19th century, China /Far East